Richard Akinnola Igbo-Yoruba detente, by Emeka Oparah
It’s not often that I have nice things to say about Mr. Richard Akinnola who I affectionately call Richard Iscariot (Judas’ great grand nephew) and this is not out of dislike or disrespect (on the contrary, I love and admire him) but out of the abundance of a diabolical sense of humor.
Today, I have decided to be serious, observe a ceasefire and instead congratulate him on the honorable sentiment by which he was actuated in organizing his 67th Birthday Symposium.
The conversation on the unique and timely theme, “Handshake Across the Niger: Igbo-Yoruba detente” could not have been better enabled by any less a personality than Mr. Akinnola, who can aptly be described as Enyi Ndigbo (a friend of Igbos).
First and foremost, Mr. Akinnola is detribalized. One is tempted to describe him as untribalized, but no one is born without an ethnic identity and sentiments passed on through generations wittingly or unwittingly.
Even so, this gentleman surely has rid himself of any relic or remnants of such sentiments-and for that he’s worthy to be called my friend!
Secondly, he’s got an array of Igbo friends as well as a long list of interventions which underline his strong personal relationships with Igbos and positive disposition towards the sustenance of peace and love between Igbos and Yorubas.
Coincidentally, last night I was sharing with a Yoruba friend (who mentioned that he had just returned from a trip to Akure) how Akure remained my second home after my NYSC Primary Service in 1990/91 in that city.
As a matter of fact, this Richard Iscariot is one of those who believe that I must have sold a couple or more wild oats during my service period there and claim to be ever on the lookout for young men (and women) who bear close resemblance with me! Foolish man!
Sadly, I missed today’s symposium but my heart was not only there at Airport Hotel, my mind was in alignment with the idea of rebuilding and strengthening the age-long relationship between Igbos and Yorubas.
It has to be said that whatever differences between the two ethnic groups hardly matter except when crooked politicians or street urchins decide to exploit them.
Between the two tribes, there are successful examples of intermarriages and business associations too numerous to mention. And why not when many successful Igbos cut their teeth in Lagos!
In fact, only last week, my Auntie was taken to one of the most popular hospitals in Mbaise owned by a Yoruba, Dr. Adeniyi!
So, all well-meaning Igbos and Yorubas must not relent from engaging in this conversation on how to safeguard the integrity of the Igbo-Yoruba handshake.
For this and many other reasons, I want join his friends and family to commend Richard for his thoughtful and illustrious manner of speaking truth to power and standing firm as a peace advocate.
