Former presidential candidate and prominent professor of Political Science, Prof. Pat Utomi, on Tuesday rose in defense of the under-fire Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, claiming that the traditional ruler was just talking in “jest.”

Oba Akiolu had at the weekend allegedly threatened Igbo residents in Lagos, saying if Akinwunmi Ambode, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state loses the forthcoming April 11 guber elections, that all of the Igbo will drown in the Lagos Lagoon or die within seven days.

Utomi, who is the founder of the acclaimed Lagos Business School, took to his twitter account to defend the statements of the monarch. He said that having known the Oba of Lagos for over 20 years, he believes that the Oba meant what he said as a joke.

He agreed that the remarks were inappropriate, but said the Oba says worse things to him every time they see, but he was sure the Oba was fond of him.

“The arena of politics is slippery slope. The remarks by the Oba of Lagos are inappropriate but all who know him know he talks so in jest. Have known Oba Akiolu for 20 years. He says worse things to me every time we see but I have no doubt he is fond of me.

How do you tell outsiders so. Typical of Oba as he sees me: Pat go return our land where you built that Lagos Business School. I respond; hold Asiwaju who signed C of O.

Many Nigerians on the social media platform didn’t take Utomi’s remarks lightly, as Utomi trended on Twitter throughout yesterday. Most people believe that the Oba’s remarks can’t be justified, while some told Utomi not to defend the Oba’s comments. Others just expressed their disappointment in the renowned entrepreneur.