The Palace Makes Further Clarification On The Statement By
The Oba Of Lagos – Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa of
Lagos
“My attention has been drawn to a publication in a national
newspaper where HRM Oba Riliwanu Akiolu was alleged to
have threatened Igbos in Lagos to make them vote for
Ambode,” he said in a statement issued on Monday.(Today)
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 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 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.
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. 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