A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in lagos State, Bode George and a former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode have chastised the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu after the moncarch said Igbos living in Lagos should vote for Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or face death.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Monday, April 6, 2015 George said it was unfortunate that the monarch, who is a friend of his, would resort to partisan politics.
He said: “The Oba of Lagos is my friend but we belong to different political parties. I was shell-shocked when I heard the comments by my friend telling our Igbo brothers – because they decided who to vote for PDP – that he would curse them to run into the Lagos lagoon. By the grace of God that will never happen.
“He said he owns Lagos. There is a need to draw a line between who a kabiyesi is and who a governor is. The kabiyesi is a traditional ruler and father of all. If he wants to play politics like some of us, he should leave that throne, come out and meet us on the field.
“We should not denigrate that office and use it as a political platform to deride other parties.”
In a related development the Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Fani-Kayode said the threats by Oba Akiolu were unacceptable, stating that supportes of President Goodluck Jonathan had received similar threats in the North before the Saturday, March 28, 2015 presidential election.
Speaking via a statement issued in Abuja, fani-Kayode said: “The truth is that we were threatened with ethnic cleansing and religious carnage in the North had Gen. Muhammadu Buhari not won the presidential election on March 28 and had President Goodluck Jonathan not quickly conceded defeat.
“We let that go and kept the peace but now our traditional supporters are being threatened in Lagos and in many other states as we approach the April 11 governorship elections.
“Let it be clearly understood by all and sundry that any attempt to kill, maim or molest our supporters will be deemed unacceptable and will be met with defiance, contempt and a well-orchestrated and solid resistance.”
