The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has mourned the sudden death of the head of the Igbo community, Eze’ndigbo in Ibadan and Oyo state, Alex Anozie.
Oba Balogun sent his condolence message through his personal assistant media, Oladele Ogunsola, on Thursday, September 28, describing the late Anozie as a very peaceful and peace-loving personality, who used the virtue to ensure peaceful co-existence between his Igbo community and their Yoruba hosts.
He said the exit of the renowned optician was a personal loss as the news of his demise came as a rude shock and disbelief.
The monarch cited the celebration of his 26 years’ leadership of the pan Igbo socio-cultural group last June during which he, Olubadan hailed him for the way he had been piloting the affairs of the group.
Oba Balogun said, “The Igbo community has lost a rare leader who would always be remembered for his advocacy for oneness of Nigeria irrespective of tribe, language and religious differences.”
The traditional ruler disclosed that the late Eze Ndigbo faced a lot of challenges, but bore all with calmness, humility, and a sense of purpose noting “these accounted for his success and ability to lead his people for that long.”
He stressed that as painful as his sudden exit may be, coupled with the fact of the loss of his wife last year, the monarch called on the children to be in good cheer because of the good legacies left behind by their departed father.
He said, “I urge you to feel happy because you have a father to be proud of. Dr. Anozie lived very well and was at peace with his maker going by his disposition to fellow beings.
“To the Igbo community, I share your pains and grief over the loss of a rare gem. A bridge builder and a leader who was compassionate and full of ideas for the well-being of all. I urge you to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness which he professed.”
While condoling the generality of the people over the exit of the Igbo leader in Ibadanland, the monarch added that the Eze Ndigbo demise would be felt especially by those who enjoyed the deceased optical services, saying that it was an act of God which no mortal had power over.
Oba Balogun added, “Let’s all thank God for the life of the man and pray for the repose of his peaceful soul.”
