In order to calm frayed nerves, shortly after Oba Rilwan
Akiolu’s alleged threat to the Igbo in Lagos, the All Progressives Congress,
APC in the State apologised to Igbo in the state over the statement credited to
the traditional ruler last Sunday. It is yet to be seen whether the Igbo will
bury the hatchet and cast their votes according to their conscience before the
alleged Oba’s threat or cast a protest vote against the ruling party in today’s
election.
Akiolu allegedly threatened that Igbo would drown in Lagos
Lagoon within seven days if they failed to vote for the All Progressives
Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in today’s election.
Since then, outrage, anger and wide condemnation have been trailing the Oba’s
statement. The Oba, hitherto, had been visibly partisan in the run-off to the
election.
In spite of the palace clarification in a statement signed
by Opeluwa of Lagos, Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, saying that the Lagos monarch was
misquoted and had no grouse with non-indigenes in the state and that he
remained father of all Lagos residents, the party observed that the development
may have a catastrophic impact on the chances of the ruling party. The Oba’s
remarks when some Igbo residing in Lagos paid him a courtesy call has gone
viral in the social media. A few days ago, the party had to tender apology to
the teeming Igbo residents in the state, pleading for forgiveness.
