You have right to contest, Oba of Lagos tells Gbadebo

Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu on Thursday praised the courage of the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, for coming out to contest, adding that he has every right to do so.

But the monarch declared his support was for the incumbent Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He expressed optimism that Sanwo-Olu would win the election on Saturday, March 18.

He told Rhodes-Vivour that the future was open to him and urged him to keep the hope alive.

The monarch spoke during the visit of the LP candidate to his palace.

Akiolu, who prayed for Rhodes-Vivour and wished him well in his future endeavours, maintained that there was nothing wrong with him vying.

“Please, don’t relent after this contest but I am fully behind Sanwo-Olu,” he told Rhodes-Vivour.

Akiolu commended Sanwo-Olu for the many giant strides he had recorded as governor, noting that he became governor at the most difficult time in the state.

“I am not a hero worshipper and gossip. For Gbadebo, the future is open to you. God will not kill you, there is nothing wrong in you contesting. All of those contesting are my children.

“I pray by the authority in this palace, God should help us to turn the state better. There is no way I can hate the igbos because they are among my best friend.”

The monarch doused the fears expressed by some residents that there would be violence during the election.

Akiolu urged all residents of the state to come out to vote and be peaceful in performing their rights.