The Funny Side of Akiolu’s Hate Speech
As is usual with many Nigerians who are adept at creating hilarious jokes out of very serious and unpleasant circumstance, the vexatious and provocative comments of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, against the Igbos, is already drawing out huge jokes and rib-cracking fun among Nigerians who have latched on to the social media platform to celebrate the jokes.
Barely hours after the infamous comment hit the internet, Nigerians began to release jokes after jokes, some downright hilarious, others rib cracking.
One of the jokes accompanied by a picture of a man swimming read: "A Yoruba boy swimming to go see his Igbo girlfriend. No lagoon can stop the love."
Another hilarious joke read: "Swimming lessons on the go. No time to waste at all."
One Ijeoma Ogwuegu- Uduma wrote: "That is why family planning is good. I only have two children. I can carry them on my head while swimming."
Emmanuel Ozo wrote: "Igbo kwenu! As we await the #lagoon swim. Please buy your safety oxygen goggles today at shop 1D Alaba International today."
Lilian Agba also wrote: "Are you Igbo? In Lagos? And can't swim? Register now @chidiebere and sons swimming school.14 Divine Plaza, Alaba Lagos. #lagoon #oba of Lagos."
Also, one Dare Funds wrote: "I can assure you that no Ibo person will drown in the lagoon becus anoda Ibo man will be there selling life jackets and rubber sandals #lagoon."
Admira Blehrt said: "I am a mixed child. The lagoon theory does not apply to us shey?"
Another Nigerian, Amara Nwankpa wrote: "To all my Igbo brothers, vote whomever you want to vote for. You survived the yearly floods in Lekki. Lagoon is nothing."
A parody account run by Saka the Comedian wrote: "PROMO PROMO PROMO! Learn how to swim the Lagos Lagoon in two days. Special class for Igbo people at a reduced price! This is not a joke."
Perhaps the most downright hilarious was the joke accompanied by a picture of the Biblical Moses parting the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross over.
The joke read: "They tried to drown us in Lagos Lagoon but they don't know that we have Prophet Nnaemeka Moses in our midst."
Another joke that went viral was the picture showing people in a room carrying their hands on their heads, with the description reading: "Staff in Ambode situation room after they heard the tape."
One Nonso joked: "I am driving through Oba Akiolu's lagoon to Victoria Island to buy recharge cards."
Another, Wale Gates made a paper sailor boat and wrote: "I made a boat to save my Igbo brothers in case Oba Akiolu means business."
Olisa Kel wrote: "Me and babe adjusting to our new life in the lagoon after listening to the Oba's speech."