HRM Rilwan Akiolu Oba Of Lagos May Face International Criminal Court

According to Punch Newspapers, the International Criminal Court is studying the alleged threat. The Oba of Lagos’ comment during the just concluded 2015 elections may soon be a subject of investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC). You will recall that His Royal Highness allegedly threatened to drown all Igbos who do not vote for a particular candidate of his choice during the governorship elections. According to Punch Newspapers, the International Criminal Court is studying the alleged threat. A concerned Nigerian, Dr. Josef Onoh, sent a petition to the ICC, on April 21st, 2015, saying that the Oba of Lagos, incited violence against the Igbos. On April 28th, 2015, the ICC acknowledged the receipt of the petition in a reply sent by the Head of Information and Evidence Unit, Office of the Prosecutor, M.P. Dillon. According to Punch Newspapers, a second letter from the ICC, with reference number OTP-CR-140/15, dated August 13, 2015, was also sent to Dr. Onoh. It reads: “Under Article 53 of the Rome Statute, the prosecutor must consider whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that crimes within the jurisdiction of the court have been committed, the gravity of the crimes, whether national systems are investigating and prosecuting the relevant crimes, and the interests of justice.” Dillion also said that “This communication has been duly entered in the communications register of the office.” “We will give consideration to this communication, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,” Dillion said.