by Kolapo Olapoju
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, has finally spoken out about his Lagoon throwing threat against the Igbos in the state.
In an interview with Punch Newspapers, the monarch warned non-indigenes in Lagos State to respect the tradition and culture of their host.
In response to the threatening comments while campaigning for Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress, Akiolu stressed that he harbours no iota of hatred towards the Igbos.
“Eze Odimegwu, who is a former CEO of Nigerian Breweries, is still my best friend as well as many others. The Obi of Onitsha came to visit me here a few days ago.
When you go to a place, you have to respect the host leaders, particularly the traditional leaders there because you are coming to benefit from their success. The people of Lagos are the friendliest and most accommodating people in Nigeria.”
Speaking further, the Oba of Lagos also took a swipe at the people who put out the video, adding that it was meant to gain political advantage ahead of the governorship election.
“Those who orchestrated the entire incident know themselves and I tell you, those (Igbo leaders) who came here on that day understand me a lot and have even been coming since then.
“The man that promised to hand them deputy governorship slot and four commissioner positions and would elevate the status of Eze Ndigbo to that of Oba of Lagos has since denied it.
“It was all a political gimmick because I am sure they know that he was only deceiving them. As a matter of fact, prominent traditional rulers in the South-East have been writing us to say that they are not happy about the large number of ezes in Lagos.”
Oba of lagos no doubt the people respect ur traditions and customs, yes you have prominent Igbo friends and all these were evident from the turnout of the Igbos on ur invitation to them on an occasion where you took ur campaign too far by threatening to throw them to the lagoon should ur candidate fail. You were suppose to solicit for votes peacefully not with threat sir.
As a respected traditional ruler who deserve more respect, sir do the right thing come down from ur high horse and apologies to the Igbos it will take nothing away from you sir.