The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have set up a committee for the reconciliation peace over the soured relationship among Igbos and Yorubas in Lagos.
The determination to end this rift prompted the setting up of the reconciliation committee which was the highpoint of the meeting both Governors had on Friday, according to the statement released by the Imo State Chief Press Secretary.
This is to seek lasting solutions to the recent raging misunderstanding between the Igbos residing and doing business in Lagos and their Yoruba neighbours which has been going on for awhile since the last elections.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting between the both Govs, agreement was made that a peace and reconciliation committee will be empanelled to “settle and douse increasing tension between the two vibrant groups.”
While both parties endorsed the agreement, the communique further 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 will be paid for any wrong demolition in Alaba market, taxes, rates and demand notice 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, communique recommended establishment of “proper channels of communication and more robust engagement with organised Igbo leadership in Lagos as was the case during tenures of Governors Tinubu, Fashola and Ambode, engendered massive Igbo support for them.”
The communique acknowledged that Igbos have nothing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu and would continue to support them.
Earlier on Thursday, Uzodimma had addressed representatives of Igbos 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.