Peter Obi said he was unable to visit the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, when he came to campaign in the state because the monarch was not “readily available” and visitors must apply to see the traditional ruler.

Mr Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) held his rally over the weekend in Lagos.

He was critised by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of snubbing the traditional ruler.

In an interview with Channels TV on Monday night, the former Anambra governor said that, “on my arrival in Lagos, I did ask that I wanted to visit the Oba whom I regard as a father figure. Some even say, ‘Oh, he (Oba of Lagos) refused to see me’. It is not true.”

He said that, “The truth is that when we arrived, we wanted to do what we want to do: arrive and 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.”

Mr Obi is contesting against the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu; the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and several others in the February 25 election.