Why Lagos should remain attractive

SIR: My heart ached when I watched the video going viral on YouTube and social media about His Royal Highness’ utterances at a meeting with some Igbo leaders. But His royal highness, the revered Oba of Lagos threw away neutrality to be on the side of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of The All Progressives Congress (APC). Oba Akiolu should have been neutral in the campaigns for governorship of Lagos State.

I cry for my country – Nigeria for these utterances from one of our respected and first class Obas in Yorubaland.

Political expediency should not divide us, as we are all Nigerians. We may differ in tongues but in brotherhood we should stand. Oba is a father to all and sundry irrespective of the jurisdiction of those he rules. His royal highness is an umpire of the empire he administers. He is arbitrator, meditator and reconciliator to all the aggrieved people in his domain.

Politics should not be a mean to an end, but an end to itself. I respectfully implore the Oba in his majesty to apologize to those he has offended with these utterances. The Oba should remember that the world is a global village where humanity comes first before our nationality, tribe or political affiliation. Again, our respectable Oba Akiolu is a father to all and he should in his majesty play that role to the admiration of all Lagosians.

Lagos is a cosmopolitan state embellished and enriched by its diversity and cultures. The three most dominant ethnic groups in Nigeria are intertwined in its (Lagos) politics, religion, marriage and commerce. That is why the chaotic Eko is a destination for socialite (Onifaaji) tourism and investment opportunities. How did we come down this low all in the name of politics? There should be peaceful co-existence at all times. Peace and love to you all from yonder.

• Yahaya Balogun, Arizona, USA.