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Tag: Oba Akiolu

  • No Eyo procession after 6pm, Oba Akiolu, CP warn

    No Eyo procession after 6pm, Oba Akiolu, CP warn

    The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Oluhundare Jimoh, have warned that there would be no Eyo procession anywhere in Lagos after 6pm during the forthcoming Eyo festival.

    They said anyone flouting the directive would be arrested and prosecuted.

    The warning was issued at the Oba’s Palace in Iga Idunganran during a visit by the police hierarchy, as part of a show of force across parts of Lagos, ahead of the December 27 Eyo festival.

    Oba Akiolu said the essence of the festival was cultural display, not violence or harassment of residents and visitors.

    He urged participants, especially youths, to conduct themselves peacefully and in line with tradition.

    “Eyo is not meant for beating people or harassing anybody. That was why I moved the Eyo display from Idumota to Tafawa Balewa Square, so that people can sit and watch the cultural display peacefully.

    ‘’Eyo is only on Lagos Island. It is not on the Mainland or Eti-Osa. And very importantly, after 6pm, no Eyo please. This must be respected,” he said.

    He appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and be law-abiding, saying alcohol consumption should be avoided during the procession.

    Read Also: Tinubu vows deeper faith-leader engagements to curb conflict, promote peaceful coexistence

    He said anyone who wished to drink could do so later in the night, after the festival activities.

    The CP said the command was prepared to ensure a peaceful Eyo festival, noting that the event was returning after about seven years.

    “We are here with His Royal Majesty to reassure Lagosians that we are fully ready and prepared to ensure a peaceful Eyo festival. We have made adequate deployments across Lagos Island, and the operational order for the festival is already in place,” he said.

    He disclosed that a full unit of mobile police would be stationed at the Oba’s Palace, drawn from the 63 and 22 Police Mobile Force units, while additional 30 teams, including tactical squads, would be deployed around the palace and other festival venues.

    The CP said anyone disguising as Eyo outside Lagos Island or after 6pm would be arrested, detained and prosecuted, describing such acts as criminal attempts to extort or cause fear.

    He added that the show of force, which covered Ikeja Command, Oworonshoki, Anthony, Adeniji, the Oba’s Palace and extended to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, was a confidence-building patrol to reassure residents ahead of the festivities and the Christmas season.

    He said covert operations and raids against criminals were ongoing across the state, while deployments had also been strengthened in border communities, including Ikorodu, Agbowa and other areas adjoining neighbouring states.

    According to him, police patrols and covert operations would continue across the state through the festive period and into the new year to ensure safety of lives and property.

    “We want Lagosians to come out, enjoy Eyo festival and Detty December activities without fear. Enough security has been provided, and there is nothing like Eyo after 6pm,” he said.

    The Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Taiwo Oyekan, has donated a patrol vehicle to Adeniji Adele Police Station, to boost policing and response capacity in the area.

  • Oba Akiolu faults Trump’s claims 

    Oba Akiolu faults Trump’s claims 

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has strongly criticised President of United States, Donald Trump, over his claim that Christians are being killed in Nigeria.

    Akiolu described the comment as incorrect and capable of creating unnecessary tension, insisting such remarks misrepresent Nigeria’s reality and unfairly portray the nation.

    Speaking on Sunday in his palace after marking his 82nd birthday, the traditional ruler said Nigerians of different faiths had co-existed peacefully for decades.

    He noted that both Christians and Muslims have shared communities, celebrations, and challenges, reinforcing unity in spite of occasional security issues.

    According to him, criminal activities and terrorism in parts of the country are not directed at any religion but are acts of misguided individuals and groups.

    He appealed to international leaders to verify information before issuing official statements, stressing that careless comments can damage Nigeria’s global image.

    The traditional ruler said national unity remains essential, warning that Nigeria cannot afford internal division at a sensitive period of economic and security reforms.

    He urged Nigerians to maintain peaceful coexistence and avoid allowing religion, ethnicity, or politics to create unnecessary conflict.

    Akiolu also renewed his longstanding call for Lagos to be granted special recognition because of its huge population and central role in Nigeria’s economy.

    He said the city had served as an economic powerhouse since the colonial era and continues to shoulder national responsibilities that demand federal support.

    Read Also: Olusi names council secretariat in Oba Akiolu’s honour

    The Oba encouraged government-led urban renewal on Lagos Island but cautioned that original residents must not be displaced during redevelopment efforts.

    He expressed concern about the growing decline in sanitation across Lagos and called for a revival of regular house-to-house environmental inspections.

    Akiolu said such inspections existed in the past and promoted discipline, hygiene, and civic responsibility among residents.

    He advised political office holders to avoid greed and misuse of public funds, warning they will answer to God and future generations.

    The traditional ruler emphasised that honesty, discipline, transparency, and accountability are necessary virtues for meaningful national progress.

    He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying signs of the Renewed Hope Agenda are beginning to emerge.

    Akiolu also expressed hope that future generations will uphold values of kindness, integrity, truthfulness, and fairness, which he considers central to leadership and humanity.

    (NAN)

  • Oba Akiolu lauds Terra cubes, commends quality

    The traditional ruler of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has given his royal blessings and commendations to Terra Seasoning Cube (a brand from the stable of TGI Distri Limited), which was formally unveiled to the public recently.

    “I am sure that you will catch the whole market in a short period of time. Since you brought some of the products to me, many people in my household have tried it and informed me that the cubes are of excellent quality. I am very happy for TGI Group, because anything they produce is always of top quality and keeps Nigerian consumers in mind,” the Oba said.

    The delegation was led to the palace of the respected monarch by Mr. Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director of TGI Group (Parent company of TGI Distri Limited, West African Cubes (WACUB) Limited, WACOT Limited, Cormart (Nigeria) Ltd, Chi Farms Ltd, among others). Other members of the delegation were Mr. Sunil Sawhney (Managing Director TGI Distri & WACUB), Dr. Onyekachi Onubogu (Executive Director – Commercial), Mr. Govind Agarwal, Marketing Manager and Mr. Anayo Nweje, Sales Manager, all of TGI Distri Limited.

  • God will not allow any other party in Lagos except APC – Oba Akiolu

    The Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu 1, has said that God will not allow any other party to take over governance in the state in the forthcoming general elections apart from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Oba Akiolu stated this in his remark yesterday at the 11th Annual Hijrah Lecture and inauguration of the new House of Assembly Mosque at the Assembly complex yesterday.

    The new mosque, he said, is unique especially as it is built inside the Assembly complex where bills are passed into laws.

    The Oba also pointed out that it is not enough to build mosque but that the custodians of the mosque should be properly taken care of.

    He also advised the custodians not to do or be involved in anything that would tarnish the image of the religion.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, commended the congregation for donating fund for the rebuilding of the mosque.

    He described a mosque as a holy place to worship Allah and supplicate to Him, adding that the custodians should do everything to ensure that it serves the purpose for which it was built.

    Special guest of honour was Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem Abdulateef, who is the Chief Imam of the House of Assembly Mosque, while the chairman of the occasion was Oba of Lagos & permanent chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu 1.

    In his speech, the chairman of the Muslim community of the Assembly, Hon. Sikiru Osinowo, thanked God Almighty for the completion of the mosque.

    “We started the mosque project so that we could fulfil the purpose of our coming here. We have seen Muslim speakers, and God made it possible for us to build the new mosque during the time of the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa,” he said.

    Two clerics delivered lecture on the theme and title of the lecture, ‘The place of the mosque in human civilisation’.

    The first guest lecturer was the Director, Islamic Affairs, Nigeria Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos State, Wing Commander Abdullahi Hassan Inuwa, and second lecturer was Shaykh Abdur Rasheed Mayaleke, chairman, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Ogun State.

     

    Mayaleke describes a mosque as the “first house God provided for man. It is a place of learning, meeting, judgment, worship, a place where we meet on how to defeat our enemies.”

     

    And that praying in the mosques for men is more acceptable than to pray at home, and that all Muslims must be given an opportunity to pray in the mosque.

     

  • Oba Akiolu, Tinubu, others for ANA Lagos patrons’ investiture

    The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Branch, is ready to host its patrons and matrons in “An Evening with ANA Patrons”. The event, which will feature investiture of some notable personalities as ANA Lagos’ patrons and matrons, will hold tomorrow at the Freedom Park, Lagos.

    The personalities for the investiture includes  Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Akiolu I as Grand Royal Patron, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as matron, while Mrs. Maureen Bakare, former Director General of Lagos State Service Commission is the mother of the day.

    Others are Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Adigun Olanrewaju Fagbohun; renowned essayist, Prof Adebayo Williams; the first Nigerian female Permanent Secretary, Francesca Emmanuel, among others.

    The Chairman of ANA, Lagos Branch, Mr Yemi Adebiyi  added that the association, including appreciate the support of individuals and corporate organisations for their support toward a successful 37th ANA International Convention scheduled to hold at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos from October 26 to 28, 2018. He said: “We have to appreciate the likes of Oba Rilwan Akiolu Osuolale, Olowo Eko as he is popularly called. He has been a great moral booster to us. He is indeed a great royal father who has promised to continue to give support to ANA and international convention.

    “Another person is the Yeye Asiwaju of Lagos, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who has also accepted to be a pillar of support to the cause of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). She is an amazing personality and leader. There are several others, including corporate organisations and government of Lagos State that we look up to for their support.”

    Although the event was initially slated for Sunday, August 26 due to the announced four-day closure of the Third Mainland Bridge from to August 23 and 27 for planned repairs, Adebiyi, said the rescheduling will not affect the highlights of the event. “We had to listen to voice of reason and postpone the date for two weeks to safe our patrons and matrons and guests who are there giving their support to ANA, Lagos, from the stress of traffic congestion that the closure of the third mainland bridge may cause them.

    “On behalf of the entire members of ANA, Lagos, I humbly and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that the postponement might have caused our numerous patrons and invited dignitaries.

    It is intended for the best interest of all concerned”, Adebiyi pleaded.

     

  • Buhari not materialistic, says Oba Akiolu

    Oba of Lagos, Riliwanu Akiolu, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is not a materialistic public officer.

    He stated this while addressing a-3-day Conference of Speakers of the 36 state Houses of Assembly who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Lagos yesterday as part of activities for the 2018 Conference of Speakers which commenced on Friday in Lagos.

    The speakers were led by the chairman of the conference and speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hons. Ismaila Kamba and Mudashiru Obasa respectively.

    “If you watch the life of President Buhari, he is not materially-minded like the other people. Cooperate with the national government. I believe in the corporate existence of Nigeria,” Akiolu urged the speakers on the challenges facing Buhari’s administration.

    Stating that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s political party was dead on arrival, Akiolu said Obasanjo is a very intelligent and hard-working man but he is also very wicked.

    The Oba, who noted that politicians were the same, urged Nigerians to watch as 2019 elections approaches.

    Urging the speakers to see the giant strides of the Lagos Assembly and Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, Akiolu said that the number one problem of Lagos was the concession of Apapa Port.

    He urged the politicians to have the welfare of the citizens at heart and ensure security of lives and properties.

    The Oba, who advocated funding for security agencies, called for cooperation in the area of intelligence for security agencies to end the ongoing security challenges facing the country.

    He commended Ambode for massive investments in security, saying that he had not hidden the fact that Ambode would serve a second term as governor.

    Obasa described Akiolu as a mentor, counsellor, father and benefactor, who had dedicated his life to public service.

    Obasa, who noted that the state was hosting the conference of Speakers for the second time, said that the conference aimed at discussing national issues as they affect various states.

     

  • Oba Akiolu was chosen by gods, says kingmaker

    Oba Akiolu was chosen by gods, says kingmaker

    The Olumegbon of Lagos, Chief Fatai Olumegbon yesterday told an Ikeja High Court, that Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu was chosen by Ifa, the god of divination.

    Olumegbon and Prince Adebayo Kelani stated this under cross-examination by claimants’ counsel, Babatunde Fashanu (SAN) before Justice Adebowale Candide- Johnson.

    They told the court that there was nothing like a 90-day rule in the crowning of the Oba of Lagos.

    Olumegbon, a kingmaker, insisted that several Obas of Lagos were crowned without observing any 90-day rule.

    He said there were at least six of such occasions, including the case of an Oba that was crowned same day his predecessor died.

    “Dosunmu was chosen same day his predecessor died, same as my grandfather”, Olumegbon told the court.

    He maintained that the selection of Oba Akiolu was divine.

    “We received the application of those who were selected by their various ruling houses and to ensure transparency, we requested that the names be submitted through the Olori Omo Oba.

    “Moreover, all the envelopes containing the names of the applicants as received were sent for Ifa divination and one by one, the names were screened. When it got to Akiolu’s name, they shouted ‘ejiope’, that this is the man that will rule well and bring desired changes. Apart from that, Akiolu was the first selected by all the six kingmakers. In fact, he scored 6-0,” he said.

    Olumegbon said when one particular name was checked by the Ifa priests, it was out rightly rejected. The priests, he said stated that the person drank a lot and womanised and would not handle the position well.

    Fashanu asked why they kept minutes of the kingmakers’ meeting against the customary practice, if not to justify their choice of Akiolu.

    But Olumegbon explained that the older kingmakers were not literate that that was why they didn’t keep minutes.

    He said: “What is happening today wouldn’t have been easy to defend if not for the records.”

    Olumegbon added that due process was followed for the selection of Oba Akiolu.

    He said: “Any member of the kingmakers could crown the Oba and Akiolu was crowned by a member of Eletuodibo family.”

    He explained that every eligible prince must trace his lineage to the Ado through the two ruling houses Olugunkutere and Akinsemoyin, excluding the Sokun family that was settled with special title.

    Responding to why he was a witness when his family was not among the defendants, Prince Kelani said his family had to be witnesses in the matter because it concerned them.

    Justice Candide-Johnson adjourned the matter till November 8, for adoption of written address by the counsels.

  • Why my reign is being challenged, by Oba Akiolu

    Why my reign is being challenged, by Oba Akiolu

    Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos yesterday told an Ikeja High Court that his selection and ascendancy to the throne followed the age-long traditional customs and traditions.

    He told the court at resumed hearing that his reign as the Oba of Lagos is only being challenged because he declined the request of the claimants to succeed him.

    Oba Akiolu stated this while being cross- examined by counsel to the claimants, Mr Babatunde Fashanu (SAN), at the resumed hearing of a suit challenging his selection as the Oba of Lagos before Justice Adebowale Candide-Johnson.

    According to him, “the claimants had wanted to meet me somewhere to sign a document regarding the succession but I refused. It is not an individual chair; it belongs to the past, present and future.

    “All human beings should not hate one another; we are equal in the eyes of God but not equal in our love for God.”

    He told the court that he has no grudges against individuals who he allegedly disliked by preventing them from succeeding him as the next Oba of Lagos.

    Akiolu’s selection to the throne of Oba of Lagos is being challenged by Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile who are both of the Akinsemoyin Ruling House of Lagos.

    Adebiyi and Modile were candidates chosen by the Akinsemoyin Ruling House to contest the Obaship title in 2003 after the demise of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan same year but lost the race to Oba Akiolu.

    They are contending that he has no rightful claim to the throne.

    But Oba Akiolu is insisting that he is the rightfully elected and bona-fide monarch of Lagos.

    Joined as respondents in the suit are the state governor, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Prince Awobade Pearse, a representative of the Ologun Kutere Ruling House and Chief J.J Junaid–Eko, the head of the traditional white cap chiefs of Lagos.

    They also include Prince Kola Balogun and Mr Musibau Kelani, who are the respectively the Head and Secretary of the Eshilokun royal family.

    Responding to claims that he was elected less than 90-days after the demise of Oyekan contrary to customs, Akiolu said that such a rule was non–existent

    “There have been 21 Obas of Lagos before the late Oba Oyekan, there is no 90-day rule. By the grace of God, I am a lawyer, I am duty bound to speak the truth, I have a duty to assist the court. The 90-day rule does not exist in the selection of Obas,” he said.

    He disagreed with the claims of Adebiyi and Modile that he was not a descendant of Oba Ologun Kutere, a former Oba of Lagos who reigned from the late 1700s to the early 1800s.

    He insisted on being a descendant of the late Oba Ologun Kutere and supported his claim with history of his royal lineage.

    According to him, “Oba Ologun Kutere had five children, one of which was Akiolu,  Akintoye was the last child and Akiolu and Olusi were the older children.

    “Akintoye was three–month-old when Oba Ologun Kutere died, I don’t know how old Akiolu was when his father died. By the grace of God, I am a direct descendant of Akiolu Ologun Kutere”, he contended.

    Asked by Fashanu to state in order of seniority, the children of Oba Ologun Kutere, Akiolu replied that he does not know.

    He said: “I don’t know, I don’t work at the births and deaths registry. What is important is that Akiolu is the child of Ologun Kutere.

    “There have been three members of the Akiolu family who ran for the Oba of Lagos including an Akiolu family member known as Baba Ita-Ado, I can’t remember when he ran and I cannot tell lies.

    “All Lagos princes who have no curse placed on them are entitled to run for the kingship, it is however the prerogative of the kingmakers to choose who will be king”, he maintained adding, “ many are called, few are chosen,” he said.

    Akiolu maintained that his being capped as Oba during his coronation ceremony by a representative of the Eleboro family was not illegal despite the ceremony not being overseen by Chief Eleboro personally.

    To buttress his position, he said a former monarch of Lagos, Oba Adeniji Adele was capped by one Chief Gafar contrary to claims that in the history of Lagos, no Oba has been capped by any person other than Chief Eleboro.

    He however contended that he was capped by the Eleboro family.

    Justice Candide-Johnson has adjourned the matter till July 5.

  • Criticize Buhari’s government constructively – Oba of Lagos

    Criticize Buhari’s government constructively – Oba of Lagos

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Thursday called on Nigerians to criticize the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration constructively and not destructively.

    He made the remark while speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Akiolu, who called on Nigerians to be patient with Buhari’s administration, also prayed that the President would return to the country from his vacation in the United Kingdom hale and hearty.

    He said Osinbajo should be grateful to God for having attained the position of the Vice President considering his humble background.

    Asked why he came to see the Acting President, Akiolu said, “I have found time to see my former law lecturer and once more to convey to him the wishes and prayers of Lagos so that by the grace of God, the Almighty Allah, that our President will return to us hale and hearty and all will be well with in this country provided all of us are sincere and we cooperate with the government and we tell the government what we feel are constructive and not destructive criticisms.

    “We have to be absolutely patient and provide useful suggestions to move the country forward. It is very funny. Prophet Ayub was sick to the extent that maggots were coming out of his body and Allah brought him back not to talk of somebody who is not like that. Insha Allah, by the grace of Almighty, our President will be back to all of us.”

    On Osinbajo, the monarch said, “As I told the Acting President now, God blessed him more than how he expected. He was a law teacher; very quiet, easy going and he is always with his bible and see what God has done for him. He is not interested in any political thing but God had destined that he will be the number two man. All of us should pray for the two of them and for Nigeria to be very successful provided we are and close to God and very honest in everything we are doing. All will be well with us.”

  • Oba Akiolu’s gentle admonition

    Oba Akiolu’s gentle admonition

    SPEAKING during Monday’s unveiling of SunTrust Bank in Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, the outspoken Oba of Lagos, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to be less military and more civil in his approach to governance. “All of us just have to support the President,” said the oba, “and I advise him to know that he is no more a military man. I am not afraid to say that. The measures they are taking on the rot of the past, honestly whether they like it or not, it was not totally the fault of former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
    Whether he recognises it or not, Oba Akiolu spoke the minds of many Nigerians. President Buhari might have promised to respect the law before the polls, but he has found it tough going submitting himself to the gentle gradualism and patience the law and the constitution demand of office holders. He has even sneered at the judiciary and dissenters, while his aides and appointees, especially in the security services, have acted worse, almost outrightly dictatorial. In nearly all areas of national life, Nigeria has seemed under military rule.
    It is not certain who else is speaking to the president and about what. But maybe President Buhari’s stream of visitors will be urging him to recognise and respect the magnificent elements and complicated nuances of democracy, especially of federalism, the rule of law, and the integral and stabilising role dissent plays in sustaining and entrenching democratic practices. On a hypothetical tomorrow, the president and his appointees will need these observances now belittled by his administration to guarantee their own freedoms when they leave office.
    For a man who lived nearly all his life in the military, and once ruled the country as a soldier, would it not be a tall order to expect him to adopt a civil approach to governance? Perhaps. But the demands of democracy are so unequivocal that the president has no choice but to begin consciously to purge himself of his militarist tendencies.