A group of Yoruba youths under the aegis of Igbimo Odo Yoruba, yesterday frowned at a recent statement credited to the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe, where the revered traditional ruler claimed the Igbos were the first settlers in Ile Ife, which is globally acclaimed as the ancestral source of the Yoruba race. In a statement issued in Lagos, the Convener of the group, Mr. Olufemi Lawson, said the statement from the respected royal father was a joke taken too far.
The statement read in part: “We are amazed that this is coming at a time when credible intelligence report has shown to us the attempt by some foreign forces to infiltrate Yoruba land, starting with the use of false claims and propaganda, as strong weapon in a bid to acquire the entire South West of Nigeria in a long term plan.
“It is a common knowledge, that the South East and its people have over the years largely depended on the good will of the Yoruba people for their economic prosperity and exploits. “It is therefore unimaginable that the best that these group of statesmen could consider to repay the kindness of the Yoruba is to distort our history as a people and make such attempt which ultimately is aimed at also claiming our land. We strongly advise, that this is a futile mission, that will bring disgrace to the Igbo race.