Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, did not pay a visit to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, during his massive rally in the state on Saturday, according to Dayo Ekong, the party’s chairperson in Lagos State.
In contrast to other states where Mr. Obi usually made a point of calling to first meet traditional rulers before beginning his campaigns, he began in Lagos at the Alaba International Market, which was predominately populated by traders from the country’s south-east.
Later, he made his way to Tafawa Balewa Square, where hundreds of his supporters and party members had gathered for a carnival-like campaign event.
Mr. Obi’s behavior has been criticized by many as being rude, but Mrs. Ekong disagreed in an interview with Arise TV.
“People say what they don’t know. If you have been following the campaign train of Mr Obi, he goes to the royal fathers to pay homage, Obi made an attempt to see the Oba of Lagos but we were not able to see the Oba of Lagos.”, she said.
She said “No, we didn’t get to the palace. You know normally, if he is going to the palace there should have been a pre arrangement informing the Oba that he is on his way. In a situation whereby they say, the Oba is not available, he (Obi) will not go to an empty palace.”
Mrs. Ekong made reference to the fact that Mr. Obi had written to the Oba and, as a result, would not visit a vacant palace because there had been no response.
“He won’t visit the Oba in an empty palace. First of all, we should be aware that Mr. Obi appreciates culture, as evidenced by his actions everywhere.
There is no way Obi would have ignored the head of Lagos State, whom we refer to as our traditional ruler, during the 37th rally, according to the woman.