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Tag: Akiolu

  • Akiolu: tax reforms will boost economy

    Akiolu: tax reforms will boost economy

    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the tax reforms introduced by his administration, describing them as capable of improving the economy.

    The monarch also admonished Nigerians to cherish their cultural heritage and values, which promote truthfulness, faithfulness and selflessness, noting these virtues are essential to fostering a morally sound society in which citizens contribute their quota to development.

    Oba Akiolu spoke while receiving the Ijo Awo Opa Cult at his palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, to mark  conclusion of the Eyo Adimu Orisha traditional festival.

    Read Also: ‘We’ll give graduates industry-ready skills’

    Also present were Adimu, Laba-Ekun, Oniko, Ologede and Agere Eyo groups.

    Eulogising the founding fathers of Lagos for their contributions to the state’s growth, he said conclusion of the festival symbolises continuation of peace, unity, and progress.

    While encouraging Nigerians to prioritise honesty, discipline and compassion, he urged citizens to always pray for leaders and the nation.

    He also asked leaders to be sincerity and shun greed.

    The oba reiterated his optimism that Nigeria will overcome its challenges and be  stronger and better under the present administration.

    Other monarchs at the event included Oniru of Iru, Omogbolahan Lawal; Olu of Iwa and Apapa, Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa; and Onisiwo of Tomaro, Mohammed Yusuf.

  • Akiolu marks 22 years on throne with prayers

    Akiolu marks 22 years on throne with prayers

    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has marked 22 years on the throne with prayers.

    The event was attended by family members and palace staff, who hailed the monarch for his philanthropic gesture.

    Eldest child of the monarch, Fuad, hailed his father as a disciplinarian and commended him for instilling discipline in his children.

    He said since his father ascended the throne, he had remained close to God through prayers.

    “He’s a very prayerful man, that’s the only thing he knows. Even before, during and after his installation, he has remained a prayerful man.

    Read Also: Akiolu urges govt to enforce NHIS enrollment

    “If you have dedication and believe in God, nothing will happen to you. We thank God for keeping him alive.

    “My prayer is for him to surpass the years the former Oba of Lagos spent on the throne.

    “He’s a disciplined man and doesn’t take nonsense. If you offend him, he will tell you to your face,” Fuad said.

    Chief Imam of Isale Eko Mosque, Abdulbari Sabba, who led prayers for the monarch, lauded him for his philanthropic gestures.

    “We organised this prayer for our monarch, Oba Akiolu, to ask God to give him longevity on the throne and for Allah to spare his life.

    “He’s a good monarch, an exemplary leader. He’s a philanthropist who gives out a lot,” he said.

    Oba Akiolu was selected on May 23, 2003 by the kingmakers after the demise of Oba Oyekan.

    He was confirmed by the government as the 21st Oba of Lagos and was crowned on August 9, 2003.

  • Akiolu urges govt to enforce NHIS enrollment

    Akiolu urges govt to enforce NHIS enrollment

    Lagos monarch and permanent chairman of Lagos Council of Obas, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has urged both state and federal government to enforce the enrollment of every Nigerian on the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, to ensure every citizen benefits from it.

     Oba Akiolu spoke on Thursday when he received the newly appointed Managing Director of General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, Dr. Sola Pitan and his team at his palace, Idunganran, Lagos Island, on a courtesy visit.

    Akiolu commended the government for the scheme and said while the Lagos State government has made it compulsory for every Lagosian to enroll into it, the government should go further by ensuring its enforcement.

     “NHIS should be made compulsory for all Nigerians. What the Lagos State and federal governments need is enforcement and sanctions. While enrollment has been made  into law,  the government can go further by ensuring that at the point of registration of students in school or when they are about to collect their certificates, they will ask the students to provide their certificates of health insurance.

    They can also enforce it when people want to renew their driver licenses. With that every Nigerian will be able to benefit from it, “Akiolu said.

     “After the local government election, I will organize a program to speak on how we can make local government more effective because the enforcement of the health scheme starts from the grassroots,” he added.

    Read Also: I’m committed to governance – Tinubu

    He urged Dr. Pitan to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment. He also urged him to ensure his staff members are civil to patients, adding that he has appealed to the state government to look into the welfare of medical practitioners.

     He appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to deliver dividends of democracy.

     In his response, Dr. Pitan thanked the monarch for his fatherly advice, adding that his tenure will be people oriented by providing effective and quality service delivery that will serve the community.

    He urged the state government to make the hospital a specialist hospital to reduce the burden on the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.

  • Akiolu to police: fish out killers of Prince Akinloye

    Akiolu to police: fish out killers of Prince Akinloye

    Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu, has tasked the police to fish out the killers of the late Prince Ademola Akinloye, first son of the Ojomu of the Ajiran Kingdom, who was murdered on August 26, in Lekki.

    Oba Akiolu spoke when he hosted the newly decorated AIG in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, in his palace.

    Zone 3 comprises Lagos and Ogun state police commands.

    The Royal father admonished Fayoade to synergize with the police commissioners in Lagos and Ogun states to end the activities of land grabbers and speculators.

    Read Also: Akiolu to Nigerian: let’s preserve tradition

    He worried that the menace was becoming worrisome to the peaceful and hardworking people of Lagos and its environs.

    The monarch, who described the policing profession as one of the best jobs, urged Fayoade to charge his officers to avoid aiding and abetting land grabbers and speculators to commit crimes.

    Oba Akiolu also described challenges confronting the country as temporary and expressed confidence that the country will overcome all socio-economic problems and come out better and stronger under the current administration.

    AIG Fayoade, who is the immediate past Commissioner of Police in Lagos, thanked Oba Akiolu for his professional and fatherly advice.

    He pledged to work with the Police Commissioners under Zone 2 to ensure security of lives and property, and to continue to tap from the monarch’s experience in policing, to succeed in his latest assignment.

  • Local govt autonomy: Akiolu warns council chairmen against embezzlement

    Local govt autonomy: Akiolu warns council chairmen against embezzlement

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, has hailed the Supreme Court ruling which granted full autonomy to local governments.

    He, however, warned council chairmen against using the opportunity to embezzle public funds.

    According to Oba Akiolu, having full autonomy should make local government areas more accountable to the people.

    The royal father also called on Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in its quest to reposition the country for greater heights.

    Read Also: Lagos taskforce raids Epe shanties, seizes contaminated Turkey

    “Make unbiased suggestions and constructive criticism of your leaders, don’t pull them down with negative statements,” he said.

    Oba Akiolu expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome all its challenges and come out stronger.

    On the 60th remembrance of former Oba of Lagos, Musediku Adeniji Adele the second, Oba Akiolu urged children of the late monarch to uphold his legacies of uprightness, fear of God and genuine love for mankind.

  • Akiolu: we must work patiently for Nigeria’s greatness

    Akiolu: we must work patiently for Nigeria’s greatness

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has advised Nigerians to exhibit responsibility in their work and cultivate patience as Nigeria progresses towards greatness.

    He spoke during the installation ceremony of Chief Tajudeen Adisa Abisogun as the Ojon of Lagos, representing the Agoro family.

    Oba Akiolu encouraged Nigerians to not only benefit from palliatives but also to actively contribute to the well-being and advancement of the country through hard work and determination.

    He said: “One of the greatest advice I ever got was from the late Baba Adini of Lagos. He told me to cultivate patience, forgiveness and perseverance. He also told me not to be greedy but to move closer to God and be a lover of all. Another one is that I should grow up in maturity and my reaction to things will be easier. Since that day, my way of life changed.

    “So I appeal to all Nigerians that we should be patient. All will be well with us soon. Everyone should cooperate with the government. We should be honest and truthful in our dealings, especially at work.

    Read Also: Oba Akiolu a blessing to Nigeria, says Obasa as monarch marks 80th birthday

    “I will especially appeal to our people in Lagos, they should be responsible for work and not just envelope palliatives.”

    Oba Akiolu urged the Ojon to be highly disciplined, honest and fair in all his dealings, saying he should also ensure the welfare of his people.

    The monarch also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that government policies are beneficial to the people, especially in times like this.

    He prayed the president would complete his first four years and get a second term election.

  • Akiolu to Sanwo-Olu: beware of sycophants

    •’No room for PDP in Lagos’

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, yesterday said there is no room for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State.

    He said the opposition should not expect votes from Lagos and other states because there is no vacancy at the Government House in Ikeja, the state capital, and Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The monarch spoke yesterday on the importance of next year’s polls when the state All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited him and his senior chiefs at his Iduganran palace in Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu, a former Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, who stormed the palace at 10 a.m, was accompanied by his Campaign Manager Tayo Ayinde, National Communication Commission (NCC) Director Sunday Dare, House of Representatives member Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, former Special Adviser on Rural Development Mr Sesan Olanrewaju, APC Women Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, former Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman Abiodun Mafe and veteran journalist Bayo Osiyemi.

    The APC candidate was officially introduced to Oba Akiolu and his chiefs by a chieftain and former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Demola Seriki.

    After the monarch offered his words of advice to him and the campaign team, a chief, Opemilua Ajose, offered Sanwo-Olu traditional prayers.

    At the palace were former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Gubernatorial Advisory Council (GAC) member Alhaji Mutiu Aare; former Sports Commissioner Segun Dawodu, Nosiru Musa; Sesan Daini; House of Assembly member Sola Giwa and House of Representatives candidate and son of the royal father, Prince Kayode Akiolu.

    Ajose prayed that God, who ensured the success of former Governors Lateef Jakande and Bola Tinubu, will also ensure Sanwo-Olu’s success as governor.

    Reflecting on the primary that produced the candidate, he said: “Let the aggrieved know that they have benefitted from Tinubu’s leadership. It is now the turn of Sanwo-Olu.”

    Read also: Tinubu, Gbajabiamila, Akiolu grace Muniru Muse Cup finals

    Oba Akiolu invoked the spirits of his illustrious predecessors, including Oba Ado, Akinsemoyin, Ologunkutere, Idewu Ojulari, Kosoko Morohunfolu, Akintoye, Dosunmu, Oyekan, Falolu, Esugbay, and Adeniji Adele as he prayed for the APC flag bearer.

    The monarch predicted success for him at the poll, saying the PDP will not rule Lagos State.

    He said: “The PDP will not rule Lagos because of what they have done to us. I saw Olusegun Obasanjo in Ota and I spoke my mind. They will not even win at the centre… APC government will continue in Lagos and Abuja.”

    Turning to Obanikoro, the monarch applauded his return to the progressives fold.

    He recalled telling the senator’s mother to advise him to retrace his steps from the PDP.

    Oba Akiolu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), said having spent 32 years in the police, he was not afraid to speak the truth to power.

    The monarch described Sanwo-Olu as a good man, adding that he was close to the palace as a politician and public office.

    He also recalled that Agunsoye performed well as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    Oba Akiolu said Sanwo-Olu is surrounded by sycophants who are interested in politics of gains instead of contribution.

    He advised the candidate to avoid any quarrel with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, stressing that the candidate should not repay good with evil.

    He said: “Anybody who will sabotage you will perish. (Facing the gathering) I have spoken with Sanwo-Olu and I will still speak to him. You can’t be Oba of Lagos and be a hypocrite. I should not hear any quarrel between you and Ambode. Many people are following you. Many are looking for what to eat.

    “Ambode was not sensitive. Sanwo-Olu, you will triumph. They said I was collecting N50 million monthly from Ambode. There is nothing like that. They are gossips. Don’t repay good with evil. Politicians don’t fight. They only disagree. They don’t have shame.

    “The elders of Lagos are behind you, Jide Sanwo-Olu. Be truthful. If you look at your back, you will see God. You will see me; you will see my chiefs; you will see Ambode.”

     

  • Akiolu, Elejinrin endorse ANA Lagos

    The duo of Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Okikiola Akiolu, and the Alayeluwa Oba R. I. Babatunde Balogun, Elejinrin of Ejinrin land have thrown their weight behind the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Chapter and ANA international convention holding in  Lagos from October 25 to 28.

    Oba Akiolu, the Olowo Eko as he is popularly known, expressed his support for the group and its activities in his Lagos royal mansion in Iga Iduganran, when some members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of ANA 37th International Convention, paid him a courtesy call.

    Received by his personal staff in the presence of all the Lagos foremost chiefs, the Idejos and elders, ANA’s team was warmly welcomed. Oba Akiolu narrated the history of beauty and hospitality of Lagos and Lagosians, to the admiration of everyone in the palace, insisting that, “there is hardly any one among the extremely rich Nigerians in history, who has not shared in the hospitality and endless benevolence of Lagos gods of wealth”, he said.

    The team, which was led by the Lagos, ANA Chapter’s Chairman Yemi Adebiyi, included Akin Adeoya, Lagos 2018 LOC Chairman; Lagos State Chapter’s Public Relations Officer II and spokesman for the LOC, Feyi-Abiodun Samson Oyeniyi; Chairperson of Publicity/Media Management Committee, Yinka Kadiri and Elizabeth Uwandu of Vanguard Newspaper.

    According to Adebiyi, the visit to the Oba-in-Council became a necessity as any responsible individual or organisation cannot afford to organise or hold  an event of the magnitude of ANA internationals convention without letting the Alayeluwa, a prominent royal father, such as Oba of Lagos to, not only be aware but, be formally informed and involved.

    In his contribution, Adeoya explained that, “traditionally, state governments in Nigeria are usually chief sponsors and hosts to ANA international convention and that the Akinwunmi Ambode-led government of Lagos State is being canvassed for support and sponsorship, among other corporate organisations in Lagos State”.

    In his response, Oba Akiolu said:  “I pray for a successful entry and exit of all participants at your convention. I wish you success and pray that no evil shall distort or destroy the success of the entire programme.”

    And in response to Adeoya’s request that the royal father accept to be royal father at the international convention and to become a Royal Patron of the association, the monarch said: “Out of my tight schedule, I will find time to, not only attend but, to support you beyond the period of the event.”

    Earlier, the Adeoya-led LOC, accompanied by the Secretary, Mr. Monday Edet; Oyeniyi and the chapter’s Financial Secretary, Mrs. Abigail Ohiero, were at the palace of Elejinrin of Ejinrin land, HRM, Oba R. I. Babatunde Balogun, the Adetoyese Ejalonibu II in Ketu-Ejinrin, Epe, Lagos.

    The monarch was also excited to receive the ANA contingents. In response to the request of the team, the Oba pledged his support for the group, its upcoming international convention and other activities.

    The team was taken round to view the ancient town and some colonial days facilities, which exhibit the historical touch of civilisation and splendour which have been long lost, due to abandonment or neglet from several past federal and state’s government administrations. This, too, was the subject of lamentations by everyone.

    Oba Balogun, however, noted that: “he is happy that the Ambode-led government is set to reverse the status quo in the town by the plans for massive development of infrastructures in the ancient coastal town”.

  • Ambode, Amosun, Gowon, Akiolu, others felicitate with Williams at 99

    GOVERNORS Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) yesterday led other eminent Nigerians to celebrate with Chief Akintola Williams, the first African to qualify as a chartered accountant, who clocked 99.

    Speaking to reporters at a special birthday reception held in honour of Williams at his Lagos home, Ambode described the celebrator as the doyen of accountancy profession and elder statesman, who deserved to be celebrated for his contributions to the country’s growth.

    The governor said: “The main reason why we are here is to celebrate a true Nigerian, and for somebody who has actually contributed to the development of Nigeria and he is still alive at 99, he is worth celebrating.

    “This is like a prelude to the centenary that we are waiting to celebrate next year, and that is why you can see that Ogun State Governor is here too.

    “Apart from the fact that Chief Akintola Williams is the Doyen of the Accountancy Profession, we see him as a founding father of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He is also the founding father of the Musical Society of Nigeria. So, he has too many parts and this is one Nigerian that we are proud of and we are willing to celebrate him every day.”

    He particularly hailed Williams for his role in Lagos State’ growth, saying the state government would keep celebrating true Nigerians like Williams.

    Ambode added: “That I am here today is more or less to say a big thank you to him for lifting up Lagos; for lifting up Nigeria and we also wish him well on behalf of all Lagosians. We will continue to celebrate true Nigerians and he (Chief Williams) is just one true Nigerian, an elder statesman that we should all be proud of.”

    Williams thanked those who found time to be with him on his special day and wished them long life as well.

    Aside Ambode and Amosun, other eminent Nigerians at the event include former Military Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); first Lagos State Military Governor Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson (retd); Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu; foremost banker and founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Otunba Subomi Balogun; legal luminary and philanthropist Chief Chris Ogunbanjo; former ICAN Presidents, other captains of industries and members of the diplomatic corps.

     

  • Akiolu condemns power equipment vandalism, theft

    The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has condemned vandalism and theft of power equipment by those he described as criminal elements within the society.

    Speaking during a visit to his palace by the management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, led by the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Adeoye Fadeyibi, Oba Akiolu said perpetrators of vandalism and theft of power equipment are enemies of the society and all well-meaning people should join hands to stop them.

    According to the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Godwin Idemudia, the Lagos monarch said since improvement in power supply would trigger socio-economic development and create jobs for more people, protection of power equipment should be the concern of all lovers of development.

    The monarch also said he has been doing his best to enlighten his subjects that the Distribution companies have been privatised and as such people should be ready to pay for the power they have consumed.

    He, however, advised Eko Electricity Distribution Company to look within and fish out bad eggs in its fold who, he said, are in the habit of colluding with people to engage in illegal connection and other vices against the company.

    Oba Akiolu also proposed the establishment of a special task force comprising employees of the company with high integrity and security men to monitor power supply situation as well as activities of some workers and members of the public to forestall vandalism, energy theft and other sharp practices.

    He said whenever such a team is constituted, he will be ready to mobilise all the quarter chiefs and Lagos Island residents to cooperate and work with the task force.