- Committee to review demolition exercise in Alaba International Market
Determined to end the soured relationship among the Igbo and Yoruba living in Lagos State, Governors Hope Uzodimma and Babajide Sanwo-Olu have set up a committee to broker a lasting peace among the people.
In a communique issued at the end of a meeting between the Lagos State government and Southeast governments, it was agreed that a peace and reconciliation committee would be empanelled to “settle and douse the increasing tension between the two vibrant groups.”
While Sanwo-Olu endorsed for the Lagos State government, Uzodimma signed for the Southeast states.
The communique also requested the suspension of further demolition at Alaba International Market with a review committee “to ensure that no building that is not in contravention is demolished.”
It was also agreed that compensation would be paid for any wrong demolition in Alaba International Market, while taxes, rates and demand noticed levied on Igbo real estate developers will be reviewed to ensure they are not outrageously prohibitive, punitive and seemingly targeted at them.”
To ensure that such a rift does not reoccur, the communique recommended the establishment of “proper channels of communication and more robust engagement with organized Igbo leadership in Lagos as was the case during the tenures of Governors Tinubu, Fashola and Ambode, which engendered massive Igbo support for them”.
The communique acknowledged that the Igbo have nothing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu and would continue to support them.
Uzodimma had earlier on Thursday addressed the representatives of the Igbo in Lagos, where he assured them that he would meet with Sanwo-Olu for quick resolution of the crisis of confidence among them and their Yoruba brothers in Lagos.