by Kolapo Olapoju
Earlier today, it was reported that the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, held a meeting with some Igbo residents, whom he threatened to make life miserable for, should they vote against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Akinwunmi Ambode, in Saturday’s governorship election of the state.
The story which was sourced from Thisday, has created widespread controversy and discourse, especially on social media.
Despite it being the most talked-about topic of the day, the Oba nor any of his representatives has issued a statement on the matter, and as such people can only wonder; where, when and to whom he really said the words to.
The folks on Twitter have started the search, and it is being led by Kayode Ogundamisi and Obiageli Ezekwesili.
.@jimiagbaje if you want Lagos Igbo votes, do so with dignity. Crediting Oba of Lagos with anti Igbo rant is using same failed GEJ tactics
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
.@jimiagbaje is free to present himself as the candidate of Ndi Igbo in Lagos but he should not do so by stoking hatred between tribes
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
.@jimiagbaje first you claim Nigeria will burn if Niger Delta should lose out, that failed. Now you are stoking Igbo against Yoruba. Continu
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
.@jimiagbaje you are going for the Igbo sentiment under the assumption that all Yoruba in Lagos are pro @AsiwajuTinubu You just saved BT
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
.@jimiagbaje present an Audio recording of Oba of Lagos making the alleged anti Igbo comments and see if reasonable Yoruba won’t condemn him
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
.@jimiagbaje you may not know is a number of us are no fan of @AkinwunmiAmbode but your resort to promoting ethnic crisis brings us in now
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
Notice most of those who called people who confirm Oba said so are Igbos, those who called people who denied it are Yoruba. Agenda clear now
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
No ethnic group should be patronised in Lagos. Calling a meeting with Lagos Ndi-Igbos in the first place is myopic. Let people vote freely.
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 6, 2015
And then, former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili waded into the matter, tweeting that she has reached out to the appropriate persons in order to ascertain the true state of things.
I have reached out and now waiting for response on the accuracy of the EXTREMELY INCENDIARY quotes attributed to the Oba of Lagos.
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) April 6, 2015
Could Oba Akiolu, a traditional ruler in cosmopolitan city Lagos, have threatened an ethnic group because of election?? The palace should speak up. Kabiyesi, it’s getting too delayed to respond.