The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has explained that the Oba of Lagos, HRH Rilwan Akiolu was not “readily available” when he requested to visit him during his campaign in the nation’s economic capital.
Obi made this known while featuring Channels Television’s special election program,the 2023 verdict on Monday.
Obi dismissed the claims in some quarters that Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akinolu rejected his visit to the palace during the weekend.
Obi said what happened in Lagos wasn’t unusual as it had happened during his planned visits to traditional rulers in states he had campaigned when monarchs were not readily available to receive him.
He said : “I have lived in Lagos for a very long time and everybody knows that I have the utmost respect for the Oba of Lagos.And I have always done so to every other traditional ruler.
“Everybody knows that on my arrival in Lagos I did ask that I want to visit the Oba, who I regarded as a father figure anytime and anywhere.
“Some even said ‘Oh, he refused to see me or he did not want to see’. It is not true.
“The truth is that when we arrived, we wanted to do what we used to do: arrive, drive to the palace, and see the Oba but we were told that he is not readily available and that we should apply and come at some other date And that we intend to do because he remains a highly respected father to me and to the entire nation.”
READ ALSO:
- I’ve Significantly Attained My Plans For Police; Says Buhari
- Alleged N3bn Fraud: Ruling On Kogi Governor’s Nephew, Ali Bello, Others’ Bail Application Stalled
- Nigeria Military is Overstretched – Minister
Obi’s explanation is coming hours after his campaign DG, Akin Osuntokun issued a statement distancing himself from a purpoted release which claimed that Oba of Lagos refused to see Obi.
The statement tittled “Re:Oba of Lagos: LP Courtesy Visit” which was made available to NPOReports on Monday saying that such press release never emanated from him.
“My attention has been drawn to a fictitious “Press Release” purportedly released by me titled “Oba of Lagos : LP courtesy Visit,” the statement reads
“The said deceptive release claimed, among other things that “We informed Oba of Lagos that Peter Obi wanted to come and pay homage to him before our rally in Lagos but Oba said that we should not come”. The fictitious release further claimed that Oba’s reason for not wanting to meet with Peter Obi was that “Oba is not interested in seeing another presidential candidate except Bola Tinubu.
“The fictitious release did not emanate from me, and I never had such a conversation with the revered Oba of Lagos or any of his representatives.”
He urged the public to disregard the release at whatever it represents and any other release that does not emanate from the campaigns official of labour Party.
“May I once again assure Nigerians that we will continue to run a campaign that is devoid of calumny, and by the grace of God we shall overcome.”