When Thisday first ran the story of Oba Rilwan Akiolu’s statement at a meeting with Igbo leaders in Lagos, the reactions were varied: anger, disbelief, conspiracy theories, excuses, requests for proof; most reactions running along party and tribal lines.
According to their source, Thisday reported that the Oba of Lagos speaking to the Igbo leaders said, “On Saturday, if anyone of you, I swear in the name of God, goes against my wish that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos State, the person is going to die inside this water.
“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.”
By late afternoon with audio and video recordings of the statement now available online, the issue continued to trend, with calls for understanding from aggrieved Igbos and an apology from the Oba.
The politicians who keep convening meetings with these so-called "Eze-Igbos" for votes baffle me. Igbos have no kings.
— Chuba Ugwu (@chonsyy) April 6, 2015
Just listened to audio recording of the meeting at which the Oba of Lagos made the reported statements, he should just HONORABLY APOLOGIZE.
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) April 6, 2015
I'd like to apologise to the Igbos. No people should be subjected to the words uttered by the Oba of Lagos to your Lagos. I am shocked!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) April 6, 2015
The way people were quick to blame this on the PDP though…
— Asa Nwa (@AfricanCeleb) April 6, 2015
Ambode says Lagos belongs to all of us. Akiolu says na lie, na me get Lagos. See him threatening like he really believes it.
— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) April 6, 2015
Most Igbos justifiably see it as serious hate speech. But most Yorubas see it as stupid bluster. Nigeria has communication gaps to bridge.
— AYO SOGUNRO (@ayosogunro) April 6, 2015
So since the APC slogan is change, I guess we should have a change in Lagos. Taking the party too long to respond over Oba. #DethroneRilwan
— Chibundu Onuzo (@ChibunduOnuzo) April 6, 2015
The Oba openly threatens genocide on Igbos and Twitter hasn't melted yet. Bunch of two-faced hypocrites http://t.co/r5xPcuV6ns
— The Nick of Time (@nicholasibekwe) April 6, 2015
Ambode is an accountant, he should kindly send the daily account figures from Alaba market to the palace. #thetrueownersoflagos #realityshow
— victor ehikhamenor (@victorsozaboy) April 6, 2015
I have lived all my life in Lagos, paid my taxes, so, I take it very serious when I hear of plans to kill my kinsmen for any reason
— Emmanuel (@emma_dele) April 6, 2015
A statement allegedly released by the Oba’s palace to clarify what they claimed actually happened made no reference to the threats.
My attention has been drawn to a publication in a national newspaper where HRM Oba Riliwanu Akinolu was alleged to have threatened Igbos in Lagos to make them vote for Ambode.
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 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.
The APC sent out this tweet a few hours ago.
BREAKING: Oba of Lagos vs. Igbos: APC to issue official statement soonest; urges Nigerians to remain calm cc @GbengaGOLD @DeleMomodu
— APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) April 6, 2015
Some of the reactions however indicate that the Oba’s statement will in no way influence how they intend to vote in the gubernatorial elections on Saturday, April 11.
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