Oba of Lagos Clarifies Allegations Of Threat To Igbos

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has clarified statements of threat
credited to him against the Igbos living in Lagos.

In a statement by the Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose,
the Oba of Lagos explained the context in which he made the
statements, restating his commitment to ensuring the peaceful
coexistence of all Lagosians irrespective of tribe, religion or
political persuasion.

There have been reports in the media that Igbo leaders in Lagos paid
the Oba a visit on Sunday April 5 and during the meeting they were
told to vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), Mr Akinwumi Ambode, or else they will die in the
lagoon.

He was alleged to have been angered by the votes garnered in Lagos by
the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
President Goodluck Jonathan, which is believed to have been from the
Igbo community.

Full Text of the Statement:

The Palace Makes Further Clarification On The Statement By The Oba Of Lagos

My attention has been drawn to a publication in a national newspaper,
where HRM Oba Rilwanu Akiolu was alleged to have threatened Igbos in
Lagos to make them vote for Ambode.

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 neighbourliness with other tribes in Lagos
and support everything that will further strengthen that harmony.
Oba Akiolu on his part acknowledged the enviable performance of
Governor Fashola and his contribution to the growth of investments in
Lagos. He gave the assurance that he was not disturbed or angry with
South-East and South- South votes for President Jonathan as perceived
by the Eze Ndigbos. The Oba thereafter called on the Igbo 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 kola nuts,
alligator pepper, and bitter kola and pouring of liberation on the
ground. It was within this context 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. In Lagos, we have an old traditional proverb
that relates to the Lagoon. The Lagoon is unique to Lagos. The proverb
stresses the need for unity and understanding when you do business in
an environment and in this case when you live and do business in
Lagos.

Oba Akiolu prays for peace for the land of Lagos and prosperity for
all its inhabitants.

Signed: Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa of Lagos