Belated apology: Oba Rilwan Akiolu denies threatening Ndigbo even with the tapes, says he didn’t threaten Igbos

Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has made a U-turn on his reported threat against Igbos in Lagos

regarding the governorship bid of the All Progressives Congress candidate in the state, Akinwunmi Ambode.

During a meeting with the Eze Ndigbo (Igbo leaders) on Sunday, the monarch reportedly threatened that any Igbo that refused to vote for Ambode, his preferred candidate in the state, in the Saturday’s governorship election, would die in the lagoon.

Oba Akiolu has, however, been receiving verbal attacks on account of his outburst, which some described as unfortunate and inciting.

In  a statement on Monday by Chief Aderibigbe Ajose, the Opeluwa of Lagos, the monarch was reported to have urged the Igbo to show appreciation to Lagos, where they do business and not intimidating them.

The statement read, “Last Sunday, all honorary Eze Ndigbos in Lagos paid a courtesy call to HRM Oba Akinolu. 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 (Babatunde) 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 Obas thereafter called on the Igbos 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 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.”