A statement credited to paramount ruler of Lagos State Oba Rilwan Akiolu threatening Igbo residents in Lagos to vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections or perish in the lagoon has gone viral.
The inciting statement which was published by ThisDay newspapers has been described as tasteless and reckless with many calling both parties (Akiolu and Ambode) to clear the air. While some argued that it emanated from Jimi Agbaje’s camp, others accused Ambode of using the royal father to divide the state.
Excerpts from the hate speech. “On Saturday, if anyone of you goes against Ambode who I picked, that is your end. If it doesn’t happen within seven days, just know that I am a bastard and it is not my father who gave birth to me.
“Jonathan is my son and I speak to him everyday. By the grace of God, I am the owner of Lagos for the time being. This is an undivided chair. The palace belongs to the dead and those coming in the future.
“I’m not ready to beg you. Nobody knew how I picked Ambode. Jimi (Agbaje) is my blood relation and I told him that he cannot be governor in Lagos for now. The future belongs to God. I am not begging anybody, but what you people cannot do in Onitsha, Aba or anywhere, don’t do it here.
“If you do what I want, Lagos will continue to be prosperous for you. If you go against my wish, you will perish in the water.”
“I am for the progress, growth and development of Lagos. Ambode is highly cerebral, he’s a symbol and he is going to deliver the message which I, the Oba of Lagos, have said. And he will govern the state for another eight years.
“He is going on a mission and God will give him the wisdom and knowledge to fulfill that mission. Almost a year ago, I declared that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos and it will not change.
“From time immemorial, the previous occupiers of this house will say what they wanted after consultations with other people. And this hasn’t changed and it will not change at this time,” he said.