Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has addressed criticisms from Tochukwu regarding a statement made by Dr. Reuben Abati about the reluctance to sell lands to non-Igbos in Igboland. Tochukwu dismissed the claim as false, asserting that lands are being sold freely, but communal lands (umunna) remain unsellable.
In response, Omokri acknowledged the validity of Tochukwu’s perspective but defended Abati, emphasizing that the incident referenced by Abati occurred in the 1980s. He argued that societal and cultural norms have evolved since then, similar to changes in Igbo customary laws regarding women’s inheritance rights.
“There was a time when women could not inherit in Igboland, but the 2014 Supreme Court judgment in Ukeje v. Ukeje changed that. Culture and society are dynamic. Perhaps Igbos were once reluctant to sell land to non-Igbos, but attitudes have since changed,” Omokri stated.
He further noted that while one may have personal disagreements with Abati, accusing him of lying might be unfounded. Omokri described Abati as someone with a “large ego” but dismissed claims of dishonesty.
Omokri’s balanced response highlights the dynamic nature of cultural practices, sparking online discussions about how traditions adapt over time.
Peoplesmind
Peoplesmind
