*THE BLESSINGS OF OLU OF WARRI AND THE FLICKER OF FIRE FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION* .

Gbenga Olawepo Hashim

Last weekend rekindled hope in the hearts of most Nigerians at the coronation of the new Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. While giving his speech at his coronation, the newly crowned King cancelled the curse placed by one of his ancestors on Nigeria and in place, released forgiveness and blessing on the land.

The Prophet Jeremiah in his prophetic message to the Jews said to them, “Seek the well-being of the city to where I took you to exile. Pray to the Lord for it, since when it does well, so also will you.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

On May 16, 2021, in our post titled “Bless Nigeria even if you feel like a slave in it”, we drew inspiration from the above scripture and I quote “if you do not bless Nigeria it is difficult for you to partake of her goodness”. In that post, I admonished all citizens to bless our beloved Nation Nigeria.

For decades, hatred and hostility against this nation, it’s citizens and neighbouring communities has been passed down fueling ethnic conflicts (indigenes of Modakeke and Ife; Umuleri and Aguleri; Ijaw and Itsekiri; Tiv and Jukun; Egba and Ibadan; Ekiti and Oyo e.t.c) and the diatribe between indigenous ethnic communities against the Fulanis.

Ogiame Atuwatse III’s action sparked and reemphasized on the need and call for National healing and reconciliation.

Admittedly, virtually everyone has one bitter story or another to tell concerning each other and this was practically dramatized in an all night meeting at the house of my late running mate in New Haven, Enugu Dr. Agwuncha Arthur Nwankwo during the 2019 campaign.

Dr. Nwankwo had wanted a number of respected professors from the South East to discuss with my team.

The erudite and respected gentlemen from different states of the South East recollected the horrors of the civil war and injustice against Ndigbo. It was a lengthy meeting and I listened patiently.

After many hours of deliberation, Dr. Abdul Jelil Tafawa Balewa one of the heirs of the Prime Minister of Nigeria who was murdered in a coup led by Chukwuemeka Nzeogwu sprang up to his feet, and said, “gentlemen, what are you saying?”. He began to narrate how Igbo officers killed his father and Sir. Ladoke Akintola, who was his mother’s uncle on same day.

There was quiet in the room for about two minutes. I broke the silence and said “that is why I am here!”

As a nation, we need now to hereby draw a line in the sand on our past woes, reconcile and heal, and start a new journey for greatness. To achieve this, forgiveness is key; restitution where necessary will also need to be done.

What is seen for Nigeria is greatness, and the view for Nigeria which has been proclaimed can be found in Amos 9:14 (“I’ll make everything right again for my people Israel (Nigeria): “They’ll rebuild their ruined cities. They’ll plant vineyards and drink good wine. They’ll work their gardens and eat fresh vegetables. And I’ll plant them, plant them on their own land. They’ll never again be uprooted from the land I’ve given them.”
Amos 9:14 MSG)

The Olu of Warri has acted wisely and may God preserve him on the throne and bless his Kingdom.

It is a new day for Nigeria: the beginning of a new era.

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Gbenga Olawepo Hashim
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