The utterances credited to Oba of Lagos, Alhaji Rilwan Akiolu as revealed in Thisday’s publication of Monday, April 6 just took ethnic hate mongering in Nigeria several steps towards dislodging the inter ethnic jelly glue that holds “One Nigeria”. It is not a secret that inter-ethnic squabbles occur among the many peoples of Nigeria on daily basis.
That is a way of life in Nigeria, and has been so far regarded as sibling rivalry. However, when an Oba, presumed to be of royal stock stoops this low, all Nigerians of integrity who care about the goal of a unified “One Nigeria” should be alarmed. What is more troubling about this Oba’s utterances is the planning and pre-meditation surrounding its delivery. Then the Oba’s attempt to deny his actions at his so called royal palace fell flat as recorded audio of the proceedings exposed him in shameful contradictions. How much further can you shame a cultural institution that ought to exemplify integrity and impeccable seat of wisdom for a people. Oba Akiolu has defecated on the throne, the people’s trust, and should be kicked out of it. He is truly an embarrassment to the people he purports to rule.
In late summer of 2013, Governor Fashola “deported” Igbo “destitute” to Anambra State in his infinite wisdom and to sanitize his state of Lagos. He did not think of “One Nigeria” and his sworn obligation to defend and protect the sovereignty of One Nigeria, even as a governor of a state in Nigeria. Governed by ethnic myopia he acted against the Nigerian Constitution he swore to up hold. If you stack Oba Akiolus’s treasonable threat to end the lives of Igbo chiefs in his Lagos kingdom, you will see a pattern of unchecked, crude, hateful act-out on Igbo ethnic Nigerians they both owe gratitude for the economic wealth they enjoy. It is extremely disappointing that this Oba has not yet apologized for his dastardly confrontational attempt at dehumanization of an entire Igbo ethnicity. It is further disturbing that Governor Fashola has not weighed in to show disgust for the Oba’s gutter utterances. We call on President Goodluck Jonathan to act immediately to protect all Igbo in Lagos from this hate depredation by Oba Akiolu. Ethnic hate mongering in Nigeria directly exacerbates the weakening of Nigeria’s Sovereignty and must be tackled promptly to keep Nigeria One.
The City of Lagos will remain Nigeria’s Real Estate, developed mostly with federal funds, and in part by Igbo Residents and Igbo Entrepreneurs. There are many Igbo families that settled in Lagos far more than a hundred years, and perhaps as old as this Oba’s family. The Igbo population in Lagos is strong enough to cause this Oba’s plunge into a sublime as we now note. The Igbo in Lagos are not cowards by any means. The Oba’s attempt to intimidate them into voting for his APC candidate is this Oba’s regrettable mistake. He will be held responsible for the life or property of any Igbo if any thing should happen as he uttered, before, during and after the April 11 state elections in Lagos. The Igbo of Lagos are encouraged to turn out in their largest possible numbers to vote their conscience, ignoring the Oba’s macho, but juvenile ranting. We hope that this Oba has not hurt his preferred gubernatorial candidate’s chances of winning at the polls.
World Igbo Congress (WIC) takes this opportunity to make it known to all Nigerians that WIC will use any instruments available to it to protect Igbo life from hate activities anywhere in the world. The Igbo will no longer turn the other chick as Igbo blood is senselessly shed by Igbo haters, no matter what circumstances prevail.