From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan.
The Federal government of Nigeria led by President Muhammadu Buhari has been implored to release the leader of the Indgenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the Department of State Security (DSS) where he is been detained just as the leader of Yoruba socio cultural group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo was given a honorary award.
Speaking at Igbo Day celebration, held at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium formerly Liberty stadium, the Ezendigbo of Ibadan land,His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Dr Alex Anozie stated that it was high time the IPOB leader was released as a political solution.
Dr Anozie explained that this step will enhance the security situation in the south east of the country where Mazi Kanu came from even as he lauded the Buhari led federal government for the construction of the second Niger bridge in Onitsha, Anambra state.
The Ezendigbo pointed out that this will solve the vehicular traffic problem often associated with the bridge during Yuletide season.
Traditional ruler maintained that he was the first person to moot the idea in 2002 at the same venue during Igbo Day celebration.
He disclosed that he was elated that the federal government has completed the bridge which will also boost economic activities in the area .
The Ezendigbo used the occasion to present awards to Chief Ayo Adebanjo who was represented by Chief Ayo Adejumo as well as the Baale of Oluyole estate and retired Presenter of Nigeria Television Authority, (NTA) Yemi Ogunyemi.
Chieftaincy titles and Certificates were given to some individuals which include the Publisher of Akuko Ndigbo news magazine, Chief Godwin Ngwu, Chief Ezenwa Great Okpara and Chief Moses Oku.
He also enjoined town unions and market associations who had left the Oyo state branch of the body to return in order to strengthen it irrespective of the state they come from.
Dr Anozie urged them to be part of the Ohaneze in order to enhance the growth and development of Ndigbo in the state.
Meanwhile, the Ohaneze Ndigbo has stated that it was impressed by the Igbo Day held by His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Dr Alex Anozie and the Oyo state branch of the Ohaneze led by Chief Emmanuel Ndidi Nzeakor which attracted so many town unions and Igbo associations.
Speaking at the occasion, Ohaneze Spokesman,Chief Alex Ogbonna said he was elated to see many dignitaries at the occasion including the representative of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Dr Lekan Mashood Balogun, the Oyo State government represented by the Commisioner for Environment as well as various town unions who were there in multitudes.
Chief Ogbonna while congratulating Dr Anozie for the success of the of the occasion enjoined him and Chief Nzeakor to be steadfast and focused to enable them continue to achieve more results.
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