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From: Michael Afolayan mafolayan@yahoo.com [NIgerianWorldForum] <NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>
Date: 20 June 2015 at 05:50
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] An Open Letter to Dr. Toyin Falola, The Moderator - On This Dr. Ariyo Palaver. . .
From: Michael Afolayan mafolayan@yahoo.com [NIgerianWorldForum] <NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>
Date: 20 June 2015 at 05:50
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] An Open Letter to Dr. Toyin Falola, The Moderator - On This Dr. Ariyo Palaver. . .
Dear Dr. Falola:
Trust me, I am not unaware of your busy engagements, neither am I unaware of your wise decision to stay away from ethnic sensationalism and political squabbles that have intensely invaded our space in recent times. Yet, this Dr. Adeniran Ariyo and the Igbo controversy in Dallas, TX is fast becoming a swinging pendulum capable of breaking and shattering in any and all directions. Like the watery mud, which a careless hand pummels in anger, it may soil white garments, wherever it splatters into them. Excuse my dry metaphors, but I think a truce needs be called. Too much of our linen is being spread in the open sun and some are better kept under the roof.
Sir, you live in Texas and you are an elder, a mentor, and a professor of great repute to many on these fora. Would you, together with some Nigerian elders in Texas, be kind enough to summon some of the major actors in this theater of in-house sibling rivalry that has traveled far and found itself in the marketplace of a foreign land? "I can't see anyone else facilitating this process than you. Seriously, I hate to pour more into your cup that is already full but as long as the elders are in the marketplace," as our people say, "babies should sleep easy - with no sprained necks, in the back of their mothers," right? Please, before the mythical lady enters the marketplace in her birthday suit, kindly call the matter into its senses, and let's all sing together "Pacem inter fatres" (Peace among brothers)!
Michael O. Afolayan
From the Land of Lincoln
Mr. Afolayan:
Thanks for your words of wisdom. Honestly, it pained me that this issue is still lingering on. This issue could and should have been resolved long time ago. Let me state this upfront. Dr. Abraham Ariyo wronged Ndigbo. Though he may seem to have apologized, however, I don't believe there is any contriteness in his apology. I believe his apology is washy washy. It is the absence of real apology that this issue has lingered and is still with us.
The Yoruba and Ndigbo have build a strong partnership over these years. And we should not let Oba Rilwan Akiolu or Dr. Abraham Ariyo destroy this strong relationship we have built over the years. As an Igbo man that was born and bred in Lagos, I know what I am talking about. My dual heritage of Igbo and having comingled over the years with Yoruba place me in good position to understand the two groups. I think a one and one interaction, instead of engaging over the internet, is the best way to resolve this issue. With that in mind I propose the following:
1. I want Dr. Abraham Ariyo and another elder Yoruba (maybe Dr. Falola though I must confess I don't know them), together with about two or three of Dr. Ariyo's Igbo friends make a formal request through the President of ICAN (Igbo Community Association of Nigeria, Dallas, Texas) to address ICAN in one of their regularly scheduled meeting.
2. On the day of the meeting, Dr. Ariyo should have with him one bottle of liquor (Hennessy) with him as a token of peace overture that he came for forgiveness and peace.
3. Dr. Ariyo should hand the liquor to the eldest among his delegation (most likely Dr. Falola)
4. The eldest among the delegation should address ICAN first with Dr. Ariyo speaking last
5. All Dr. Ariyo need say is apologize. And his apology should be in this format: I am sorry for what I wrote. I am sorry for all those I may have hurt with what I wrote. I beg for your forgiveness. No washy washy about his computer being hacked and all that.
6. His Igbo friends that came with him will put in one or two good words for him. Am sure they know what to do.
Mr. Afoloyan, that is. That is what Dr. Ariyo needs to do. Why are we dragging this issue when it could have been resolved long time ago?
Vin Cool Breeze Otuonye
Ps: There are some egroups that my email may not get to because I am not subscribed to these groups. I will appreciate if you or others can send my email to these groups.
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