‘Oba Akiolu is the father of all,’ Chief explains what monarch told Igbos

The Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Aderibigbe Ajose has attempted to clarify the statement made concerning the Igbos in the state by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.

Oba Akiolu became the centre of controversy after he said that any Igbo person who doesn’t vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode would die in the Lagoon.

Chief Ajose however said, in a statement released on Monday, April 6, that the Oba had only referred to the Lagoon as part of the tradition of Lagos.

The statement reads:

“Last Sunday, all honorary Eze Ndigbos in Lagos paid a courtesy call to HRM Oba Akiolu. At the meeting the visitors praised the Oba for his fatherly support for and cooperation with Igbos in. Lagos. They assured him of their continued good neighborliness with other tribes in Lagos and support everything that’ll further strengthen that harmony.”

“Oba Akiolu, on his part, acknowledged the enviable performance of Governor (Babatunde) Fashola and his contribution to the growth of investments in Lagos.”

“He gave the assurance that he is not disturbed or angry with South-East and South- South votes for President Jonathan as perceived by the Eze Ndigbos. The Obas thereafter called on the Igbos chiefs to show appreciation to Lagos State by supporting his candidate Mr. Ambode for continuity of excellence as they have earlier promised.”

“He assured them of his continued support‎ and assistance where needed and the meeting ended with the traditional breaking of kolas, alligator pepper, and bitter kola and pouring of liberation on the ground.”

“It was within this context that that the tradition of Lagos, with regard to the lagoon, came up. It was noted that whoever works against the throne and the interest and peaceful co-existence of Lagos would end up in the lagoon as per tradition.”

“Oba Akiolu stated further that the Igbo people have not betrayed the throne. Lagos has also not betrayed the Igbo people. Lagos has done so much to make the Igbos comfortable and to prosper. For this, we expect reciprocal respect and understanding.”

“The Oba of Lagos prays that the Lagoon and the throne will continue to bless and protect all those who reside and visit Lagos. Oba Akiolu is the father of all irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion.”      

The Oba's comments have attracted strong criticism with the PDP accusing him of playing God in the affairs of Lagos State.