The Igbo community in Lagos State, like in many other parts of the country plays a major role in the social and economic life of the business capital of Nigeria. This role manifests in the areas of commerce and industry as well as the hospitality sector. The community, like other ethnic nationalities in Lagos also forms part of the electorate, whose votes count in the state’s political chess. The community’s relationship with its host governments and people have remained cordial. Leaders of the Igbo community have always called for peace and cooperation whenever the inevitable case of occasional disagreement arises, especially those regarding commerce where the community holds sway.
But no Igbo leader has expressed so much moral support for the current Tinubu-led government in Lagos State than the Ezendigbo of Lagos and Chief Executive of UOO Nwachukwu Group of Companies, HRH. Dr. Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, whose various media reactions to issues in the state have been that of a clarion call for peace, good governance and support for the government of the day. Vanguard spoke to Eze Nwachukwu on the relationship between the government and people of Lagos State; other ethnic communities and Ndigbo as well as his experience as an industrialist and a royal father. He spoke to AZU AKANWA.
You seem to be proud of your status as Ezendigbo of Lagos State?
Yes. I am the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, having been coronated so by the departed Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyinka Oyekan in the year 1999 at his Iga Iduganran Palace. You can see the photograph here (on the wall of his living room), it was taken on the occasion. I was recommended by the Igbo Community to Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu who consented and asked the community to present me to the departed Oba of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan which they did. With the recommendation and through my godfather, the departed Osolo of Isolo, Oba Rafiu Yekini Ayinde Goloba (Okota 11) I was made Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State by Oba Oyekan. The then Osolo of Isolo, Oba Goloba had already honoured me with the chieftaincy title of Otun Bobaniyi of Isolo in 1988. I have been playing the role of Eze Ndigbo since my coronation and I thank God that today, the Igbo community lives in peace with our host government, the people and other ethnic communities in the state.
Why were you recommended?
It was due to my contribution as an industrialist engaged in legitimate business; my level of education and exposure and my respect for culture and tradition, as well as love for the people, especially the Igbo community. I am also free-minded and a socialite. That was why my people chose me as their traditional ruler in Lagos State.
But there is a controversy over who is really the Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State.
We do not have another Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State. I am the Eze Ndigbo, the facts are there. Any other person is an impostor.
You are a frequent commentator on issues concerning Lagos State and you seem to see a lot of things good in the Tinubu administration.
I comment freely on issues that I find relevant and commend the authorities whenever they do the right thing. As for the Tinubu government, those of us who live in this state know that the man (Tinubu) has done a lot for the state. Apart from the peace and harmony we now enjoy in the state, the man has been able to implement some people-oriented policies that one can point to and say, yes, he has done well.
You want to give examples?
I can give examples if you want. You live in this state, don’t you? Can’t you see some changes?
In which areas sir?
In every area. Transportation, Roads, Health, Education, Housing, etc. In every area. Look, Governor Bola Tinubu is a man after my heart. He awakened the consciousness of leadership by the type of programmes he has on ground. The waste management agency, transportation management agency, the direct labour, the free health care, free eye glasses, equipped hospitals, free education and good modern classroom blocks; housing programmes and crisis management ability. We have not seen it like this before in Lagos State. The way he reacts to crisis or unfortunate events is worthy of emulation. Look at his role in rehabilitating the bomb blast victims, the kerosene fire victims, displaced traders, the twins (the Sobowale-Davies conjoined twins separated through the help of Lagos State government), the good role of Chief Oluremi Tinubu through her pet project the New Era Foundation and others. These were the things we cried for in the past and the man has been doing everything to ensure that Lagos State remains a state to be reckoned with.
Tinubu has given us hope that Lagos is home for everyone. In fact, the Tinubu administration is people-friendly.
You talk as if the Igbos have never been negatively affected by policies of the state.
Which policies do you mean?
The Ladipo Market issue and attack on traders by hoodlums, otherwise known as Area Boys.
You see, people should be able to talk sincerely on issues without being sentimental. The Ladipo Market issue was an unfortunate issue because traders were displaced for a long period of time. But talking sincerely, the market before the closure was very dirty and even you would find it difficult to move around the area. I intervened in the matter and addressed a press conference pleading with the traders to be patient and urging the state government to hasten efforts to resolve the matter. Thank God today that the market has been re-opened. The traders are back to business. I don’t think it was a matter of a policy affecting people negatively.
The issue of hoodlums is one that we are all worried. I feel bad whenever these street urchins harass innocent, hardworking traders and loot their wares. But then you can not say it is the policy of the Lagos State Government that Area Boys should attack people. The state government has been doing a lot to create job for these jobless youths and to rehabilitate them. The Oba of Lagos HRH Oba Rilwan Akiolu 11 has done a great deal to curtail the activities of hoodlums in the state. Remember his declaration on assumption of office that he would rid the state of hoodlums. He has been playing this role well and as a father, he has done well to check the activities of Area Boys. I will continue to urge the government not to relent in its efforts to rid the city of hoodlums. The activities of these Area Boys are really something to worry about.
As an industrialist, what do you think should be done to encourage local industries?
Thank you so much for that question. I have said it several times that the fate of the local industries is in our hands. Let us all look inwards and establish in the country. I established my company in Isolo and it was commissioned by former Governor Otedola of Lagos State. I believe in developing Nigeria through industrialization. I still
