Nigeria, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, says the comment by the Oba of
Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, seen as a threat to Igbos living in Lagos State,
is "a toxic nonsense".
The Oba of Lagos had on Sunday advised the leaders of Igbo people in
Lagos State to support the governorship candidate of his choice,
Akinwunmi Ambode, or "perish in the water".
The comment has triggered mixed reactions, with several condemnations.
It has been described as a threat on the Igbos in Lagos.
Professor Odinkalu said he was disappointed by the Oba's comment,
stressing that the Oba should be more interested in binding the nation
together and not dividing it.
"Sometimes it is good to allow people to expose themselves in their
full and natural majesty.
"I cannot say I am not disappointed because that will not be honest.
"The current occupant of the stool of Lagos State is a former
assistant Inspector General of Police, a very senior lawyer and a
senior citizen.
"Election times are difficult times and we expect our traditional
rulers to show good example.
"To explode this kind of toxic nonsense in the middle of a difficult
election disappoints and he must take responsibility for what he has
said," Professor Odinkalu stressed.
He further pointed out that traditional leaders are not expected to be
seen as surrogates to any political party.
The NHRC boss further stressed that the peace of Nigeria should a
thing of concern to the Oba of Lagos and to all Nigerians.
After the comment by the Oba of Lagos went viral on social media, the
royal palace tried to address the issue in a statement, explaining
the context in which he made the statements.
The Oba of Lagos also restated his commitment to ensuring the peaceful
coexistence of all Lagos residents irrespective of tribe, religion or
political persuasion.
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