According to the group, Oba Akiolu’s “statement also constitutes an electoral offence as it constitutes threats of violence. In addition, it constitutes hate speech likely to provoke mass crimes in violation of international human rights laws.”
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has strongly criticized Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos for issuing a threat to Igbo residents of Lagos State to vote for Akin Ambode, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this weekend’s governorship election or risk dire consequences.
In a statement issued earlier today, the civil society group condemned Mr. Akiolu’s threatening words, describing them as offensive to the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Nigerian citizens to vote for candidates of their choice in elections.
According to the group, Oba Akiolu’s “statement also constitutes an electoral offence as it constitutes threats of violence. In addition, it constitutes hate speech likely to provoke mass crimes in violation of international human rights laws.”
The Situation Room urged the Oba of Lagos to “immediately withdraw his statement, apologize for his hate speech and reiterate his respect for the right of all Nigerian citizens to freely and democratically express themselves in the State level elections on April 11 2015.”
In a meeting a few days ago with some representatives of Igbo communities in the state, Oba Akiolu warned them to vote for Mr. Ambode, adding that he was the “owner” of Lagos and that anybody who goes against his favored candidate would “drown in the lagoon.”
Video and audiotapes of the traditional ruler’s intemperate speech have gone viral and drawn widespread condemnation. Mr. Ambode issued a statement distancing himself from Mr. Akiolu’s shocking utterance.