The president of the South-East socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has claimed that the Igbos played a significant role in the building and development of Lagos State. He said that the Igbos converted swampy lands to habitable places and established businesses, homes, and schools in the state.
Iwuanyanwu made this statement in a press briefing video that has gone viral on social media. He was indirectly responding to the recent controversy over the origin of Lagos, which was sparked by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who said that Lagos State was founded by Binis.
Iwuanyanwu said that the Igbos moved to Lagos out of patriotism when it became the federal capital territory and faced the challenge of development. He said that the Igbos collaborated with the Yorubas and built a strong relationship with them. He described the Igbo forebearers as the heroes of Lagos and the great shareholders of Nigeria.
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However, Iwuanyanwu also said that he would not defend any Igbo who flouted the Lagos construction laws and built houses on roads and drainage lines.
He said that he had not verified the facts about the ongoing demolition exercise in the state, but he urged the Igbos to obey the laws of the land and get proper approvals for their buildings. He said that Ohanaeze would only support those who had legal documents for their properties. #Ohanaeze