The Oba of Lagos, Riliwanu Akiolu, says there is a need for Igbos and other non-indigenes in Lagos State to respect the tradition and culture of their host.
The monarch said this recently during a chat with newsmen.
While responding to a question on the threat he issued out to Igbo residents in Lagos State if they did not vote for Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress, Akiolu maintained that he had no ill feeling towards Igbo in the state as some of his closest friends were Igbo.
He said, “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.”
He said the video which showed him issuing threats to Igbo leaders was a misrepresentation of what truly transpired.
He said the issue was twisted by those who wanted to gain political advantage ahead of the governorship election but God put them to shame.
“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,” he said.
Akiolu said many of the non-indigenes were deceived by politicians in their quest for power.
He said, “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.”
He urged all Igbo who won elections in Lagos State not to disappoint the people.
The monarch said he was confident that Ambode would do well in office.
He said Ambode would serve as governor for eight years not just because it was the will of God but because he would perform excellently well. He, however, said Agbaje was free to contest again in 2019 if he wanted.
He said, “By the Grace of Almighty Allah and my ancestors in this house, the Governor-elect, Ambode, will rule for eight years with a good performance.”
He said he had nothing against the Peoples Democratic Party or its governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, but noted that all humans are equal in the eyes of God but are not equal in the love of God.
He said Ambode proved his competence by saving the state from financial hardship when it was deprived of funds from the Federal Government.
Akiolu said he was not a politician but was only interested in the prosperity of Lagos and would continue to support the best. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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This Oba should know how to shut his mouth if he lacks sense of decorum in addressing the general public. If people refuse to vote your candidate it's democracy, freedom of choice; you have no power to compel anyone to vote for your candidate. You may wield diabolical power but it's not as powerful as the collective will of the people. For crying out loud, you are less than a local govt chairman, you have no power at all other than to uphold the cultural heritage of the people. Respect your self first before you demand for one!!!.
ReplyDeleteOga! I suggest you stop insulting the Oba. None of those present at the said meeting has come out to condemn his statements.
DeleteCan't you see that the man has soft pedalled? or do you expect him to go the door steps of every Igboman in Lagos and say: ' I am sorry; please forgive me?'
u bastard, ur father should up if lagos is not good for u leave. enough is enough to people that saying lagos is no man's land.
Deleteif lagos is not good for u leave. enough is enough to people that keep on saying lagos is no man's land.
DeleteSo to respect your host mean that the host will dictate the fate of the Igbos. Mbanu the on a should know that every human being is like the wind that passes away. It is a lesson to the Igbos who go ass licking. There God ,that I belIeve.
ReplyDeleteIf Jimi Agbaje did not pitch his tent with Igbo, he would have won the election.If Igbo people own Lagos,i am sure they will never allow others to come in.Oba Akinolu has told them the point blank.Lagos belongs to Yorubas and hence they should respect the host and stop saying Lagos is a no mans Land.They lack respect and decorum.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you you can't go to an igbo land and get this type of liberty it can't happen. Igbos respect your host not just in Lagos but around the world . Once you get comfortable in a place you tend to claim equality . stop choking others please
ReplyDeleteLagos is friendly to the Igbos. Go to Onitsha and see how Ejike, Amaechi and his groups are troubling non-Igbos especially if your vehicle bears Lagos plate number. These boys will snatch vehcles, drive the vehicle roughly, sometimes collide with other objects and vehicles thus creating irreparable dents on the vehicle. They will also collect all moneys on their prey and impound the vehicle, deflate the tyre and ask you to pay N45,000.00 in the name of fake task force just because you pass thru Onitsha road. They have up to hundred fake stickers that they want to force pple to buy. The same thing is going on in Umahiah and their Governors kept quiet. I believe they want to start the same thing in Lagos if given the opportunity to overthrow Lagos. God forbid!.
ReplyDelete