Oba of Lagos Endorses Ambode for governor; warns Obanikoro ‘seriously’

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, was one of the guests who attended the commissioning of four Nigerian Navy ships by Pres. Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The monarch spoke to journalists on the sidelines of that event and spoke about former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the coming general elections and his endorsements.

On Obasanjo, Akiolu was unforgiving. He said that the former president is the architect of his own misfortune, because he ‘masterminded’ all the anomalies he’s now complaining about in the PDP.

“God gives many people long lives so that they can get enough punishment, like what is happening now. All the injustices they did against Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, God is exposing them. All the accusations the former President, Obasanjo is giving now, he initiated and nurtured it. He masterminded it and now he is complaining. God has a way of doing things. More are still coming to him,” he said.

When asked if he truly endorsed the the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, he answered saying: “Who gave you that rumour? Who said so? Some of the things they are writing, for instance, like that former Minister Musiliu Obanikoro, I went to his aged mother that they should warn him seriously.”

“For the Presidency, I support the best person. If I want to do something, I do not pretend, God almighty Allah will give the Presidency to the people Nigerians want to do the best for this country.”

The monarch, however, added: “I have picked Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State. I have my reason for saying it and I do not hide it. I acted on God’s wisdom and picked him and by the grace of God, he will be the governor of this state.”

Oba Akiolu also spoke on the election postponement by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, saying that the reasons given for pushing forward the polls is momentarily acceptable.

“The Head of State and INEC have told us that the elections will take place March 28 and April 11 and I hope by the grace of God, it will be like that. For the time being, the intent and purposes for the postponement is acceptable.”