Many are willing to jump into lagoon

Sir: I write in response to Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu’s statement the other day, warning aspirants to the much coveted governorship position of Lagos State not to dare contest against his ‘son’, the incumbent governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode come 2019 elections.

But the royal father should realise that with the rise of poverty in the land, more Lagosians are willing to jump into the lagoon at the slightest opportunity, as things, especially costs of living escalate by the day. These are the things Oba Akiolu should encourage his ‘godson’, Akinwunmi Ambode to do rather than campaign for election which is over two years to hold from now.

In 2015, the monarch threatened to throw into the lagoon any Igbo living in Lagos that voted against Ambode who, although, has so far performed better than some of his contemporaries in the neighbouring states.

Oba Akiolu, who many alleged, was under the influence of Dutch courage when he threatened the Igbo in 2015, the story some of the politicians in APC have denied, should know by now that his comment lives after him. Whatever gave the highly revered monarch the power to speak in that manner, that he can throw anyone into the lagoon, must realise that many people have already accepted the challenge.

Does the office of the seven chiefs empowered to regulate the power of any Yoruba monarch still exist? If not, the office must be restored, not only to regulate but also to revive the Yoruba culture. Since Ambode government is ever ready to confront any challenges that come with governance in the state as already being witnessed in the provision of basic amenities such as road construction and repairs, medical services such as mobile clinics and enlightenment campaigns to sensitise people to government policies and others, he can still win the 2019 election without any proclamation from any godfather.

And the Oba of Lagos must know that this is a free society where everyone is at liberty to vote for whoever he wishes. Oba Akiolu should stop intimidating Lagosians.

Eniola Daniel, Lagos