Igbo in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have reportedly shut down their businesses to protest the planned dethronement of their Eze- Ndigbo, Sir Gregory Iloehike by Deji of Akure.
The Igbo, who converged on their secretariat at Gbogi Street as early as 7am, warned the monarch against dethroning the Eze Ndigbo, insisting that he has no power to dethrone Iloehike.
It was learnt that the Deji, Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II, accused the Eze Ndigbo of insubordination and disrespect. But Iloehike said he was not rude to the Deji.
“The Deji called me at 8.48pm last Sunday inviting me to his palace and I honoured his invitation on Monday morning.
“I went with one of my chiefs but when I got to the palace, I saw youths numbering over 200 who started shouting as I entered.
“I suspected that they were mobilised by the monarch and I showed respect to him by prostrating.
“The monarch threatened to drive out the Igbo from Akure and when I asked why, the youth descended on me.
“They tore my beads and removed my crown. They attempted to beat me but the police officers at the palace rescued me,” The Nation quoted Iloehike to have said.
The Eze Ndigbo said the monarch’s invitation was the first since he ascended the throne. He noted that the Igbo had been living harmoniously in Akure for over 70 years without any friction with the natives.
The Igbo, therefore, urged the Deji-in council not to cause inter-ethnic crisis in the state.
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