Oba of Lagos Unguarded Remark

There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is blessed with men and women of integrity as well as heroes and heroines.
During the Ebola crisis, we saw how the selflessness, patriotism and dedication to duty of Dr. Stella Adadevoh saved millions of Nigerians from death. Conversely, there was also another member of the medical profession in Port Harcourt, who, unlike Dr. Adadevoh, put his own interest first, breached the ethics of the medical profession and caused the death of some Nigerians.

Nigeria, and indeed the world, witnessed another heroic deed following the March 28 presidential election, when the incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan, conceded defeat and congratulated his challenger, Muhammadu Buhari, even before the final result was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission. That singular act saved the lives of many Nigerians. I happened to pass through Ojuelegba, Oshodi and Mushin areas of Lagos on the days immediately following the election and everywhere was peaceful — not one bonfire or protest group. Why? Because the man at the top had made it clear that the peaceful coexistence of the various entities which make up Nigeria was more important than any vested interest or political ambition. That singular act made it clear to all that anyone who went into the streets to foment trouble was on his own.

The recent comment attributed to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, to the effect that Igbo residents in Lagos should vote for his favourite candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, of the All Progressives Congress or perish in the lagoon, is most unfortunate. The Oba has, by his comment, as affirmed by many, fanned the embers of hate and ethnicity in the state. I feel compelled to write this piece because of what I observed in a particular office, after the comment was made public. Colleagues, who had hitherto worked harmoniously, were pitted against one another. Small groups were formed, some lauding the Oba’s comments and stating that it was high time the Igbo were put in their place while others were condemning it in strongest of terms. What bothered me was the fact that some of the people making the hate comments were educated people who ought to know better. I then wondered what was happening in the marketplaces, Lagos State establishments, buses, hospitals, etc.

It is gratifying to note that the APC has denounced the Oba’s statement and that the Department of State Services has warned against unguarded and divisive statements. But these are not enough. The Oba’s utterance has done untold damage to Lagos State and, if a clear signal is not sent now, the effects will reverberate to other states and could mar our democracy. His statement has given the “Area boys” a veritable excuse for hate attacks against the non-indigenes should the feared happen. The Oba should be made to urge his followers not to, in any way, antagonise or attack any Igbo or non-indigene during and after the election.

The security agencies should also caution the Oba specifically and not in general terms.

The Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Attrahiru Jega, while cautioning Godsday Orubebe after his outburst during the collation of the March 28, 2015 election results, said that Orubebe, as a statesman ought to watch his utterances in order not to scuttle the largely peaceful electoral process. The same advice holds true for the Oba and others in positions of authority.

Oluchi Ukwuoma

Lekki, Lagos