The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the recent anti-Igbo remarks attributed to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
The party stated that the Oba has a right to express himself and that his words must not be taking literally.
The Osun APC made the comments via a statement released by its Director of Research and Publicity, Kunle Oyatomi.
The statement reads:
“Let it be said that the title of all our Obas is Kabiyesi. The meaning is that our Obas are mythical.”
“Whenever they say anything, nobody can challenge it. We have heard what they have said and with due reference to democracy, and the culture, we do not in any way challenge the right of any individual or group to their right to their opinions.”
“And it is the same right the Oba has to express himself. Nobody must interpret his statements literally because he knows and we all know that nobody has the power of life and death outside God and our laws.”
“To fully understand him, what Oba Akiolu said is that nobody can come to our land, offend our institutions, traditions and our culture and go free.”
The Oba had told Igbo leaders in the state that they would die in the Lagoon if they voted against APC governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode.
The National APC and party leader, Bola Tinubu have however condemned the comments saying that the Oba has no authority to speak for the party.