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Tag: Oba of Lagos

  • Obaship tussle: I’m bona fide Oba of Lagos, Akiolu tells court

    Obaship tussle: I’m bona fide Oba of Lagos, Akiolu tells court

    About 14 years after his installation, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Monday appeared in an Ikeja High Court in a suit challenging his emergence as the paramount ruler of Lagos, saying he is the bona fide monarch.

    “I am here to justify my appointment, you cannot build something on nothing, it will be broken.

    “By native law and customs and by law, I am the bona fide Oba of Lagos,” said Akiolu, who was accompanied to the court by 10 white cap chiefs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akiolu’s installation as the Oba of Lagos is being challenged by Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile, two members of the Lagos royal family.

    Joined as respondents in the suit are the state governor, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Prince Babatunde Akitoye and Chief Junaid Eko.

    Both Adebiyi and Modile are claiming that Akiolu is not entitled to the throne because he is not a member of a ruling royal family by not being a direct descendant of Oba Ado, the first Oba of Lagos.

    According to the claimants, only members of the Ologun Kutere and Akinsemoyin ruling houses are entitled to the throne.

    They also alleged that proper customary rules and procedures were not followed when he was appointed as Oba in May 2003.

    While being led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Akiolu told the court the procedure he followed before being installed.

    “After I made my intention known to my family that I wanted to be Oba of Lagos, I applied for the throne.

    “In May 2003, the head of the kingmakers and the then Sole Administrator of Lagos Island Council called at my residence.

    “At that time I was preparing to go to the mosque and I was told that I received a letter from the state government and the State Executive Council.

    “The letter accepted my nomination that I have been approved to be a worthy successor of the late Oba of Lagos.

    “It will be exactly 14 years tomorrow (May 23, 2003) that the my appointment was approved.

    “By the grace of Almighty Allah, there is nothing like rotation in the succession to the throne of Oba of Lagos,” Akiolu said.

    Before cross-examining Akiolu, lawyer to the claimants, Mr Babatunde Fashanu (SAN), told the court that for the purpose of the trial, Akiolu should be addressed as the defendant and not as the Oba of Lagos while in court.

    “I apply that all referrals to the defendant as the Oba of Lagos should be expunged from the records of this honourable court.

    “Within the walls of this courtroom, he is a defendant and when we step out of the courtroom, I will lie down and greet him as ‘kabiyesi’ because I am like a son to him,” he said.

    Akiolu also told the court that he had a prior relationship with Fashanu’s father when he was working as a lawyer during his early years of legal practice 32 years ago.

    “I know your father, I used to carry files for him when we were working together.”

    Fashanu’s request to expunge referrals of Akiolu as Oba of Lagos was, however, not granted by the court.

    In responding to Fashanu’s question whether proper customary procedure was followed when he became Oba, Akiolu said he was installed according to the customs of Lagos as Oba by kingmakers.

    “Akiolu is a direct descendant of Oba Ologun Kutere, there is no registered declaration for the throne.

    “It is the old customs and the recommendations of the Price Commission which is over 100 years ago that is still valid till today.”

    Akiolu also debunked claims that Akiolu royal family was not one of the ruling houses because it was non-existent.

    He said: “Despite the letter from Lagos State Government confirming my appointment as Oba and stating that I am from the Akiolu royal family, I want to make it clear that a royal family and ruling house means the same thing.

    “My appointment as the king is the first time in history that kingmakers will be unanimous in selecting an Oba of Lagos.”

    Justice A. Candide-Johnson adjourned the case until June 19 for continuation of trial.

  • I have no problem with Oba Akiolu, says Ooni

    I have no problem with Oba Akiolu, says Ooni

    •Monarch lauds tribal harmony in Rivers at 50 

    THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has again dismissed alleged faceoff between him and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
    Oba Ogunwusi, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, said he had no problem with Oba Akiolu, stressing that they are brothers and have been close for many years.
    The monarch, who was accompanied to the state by his wife and other palace guards, said: “We did not have a problem. It is being overblown by the media. Like I said, I respect him. I had a relationship with him when I was a prince and when I was an entrepreneur in Lagos. I will continue to respect him.
    “It is very unlikely that you will see a successful Nigerian that has not passed through Lagos. So, give honour to whom honour is due.”
    He congratulated the government and the people of Rivers State for the peaceful relationship with the state’s Yoruba community.
    The Ooni gave his royal blessing to the government and the people.
    Oba Ogunwusi said the peaceful coexistence between the tribes was a sign of unity and brotherhood, which he noted, outlined why Nigerian must live as one.
    He said: “It is to the glory of God that we landed in Port Harcourt to celebrate with the people the 50th anniversary of the state and to celebrate one Nigeria and one country. Our major objective is to continue to foster peace.
    “I am going to meet with the amiable governor; the number one citizen of the state and the good people of Port Harcourt for us to know that we are all one. I also thank God Almighty for making the state very active and still waxing strong.
    “The state is 50 years and by the special grace of God, there will be many more years of prosperity. Another beautiful thing that actually made me very happy is that I saw a lot of Yoruba that came to welcome me.
    “You can see that we are really intertwined in Nigeria. We are living together in peace and harmony. It is the same back in the entire Yoruba Kingdom. We have a lot of people from this side of the world living there. So, we should all continue to live in peace and harmony.”
    On the activities of herdsmen, the Ooni said: “It has to be approached with a lot of caution. You can see that meat is a necessity for us; everybody eats meat because of the protein and fibre content in it.
    “This is a very sensitive thing about our nation and as a result of this, we should apply a lot of caution. If it was properly coordinated across board, we will get the best out of it. The herdsmen are rearing their cows for human beings.”

  • Fire at Oba of Lagos palace

    Fire at Oba of Lagos palace

    A mystery fire on Tuesday gutted the palace of Lagos monarch, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, burning expensive traditional regalia.

    It was gathered that the fire started around 1:30 p.m. at a store where the monarch’s royal beads, local fan and traditional attire were kept.

    According to witnesses, two fire trucks were deployed to contain the inferno, which raged for about two hours.

    Although it could not be ascertained if other parts of the palace were affected, the monarch was reportedly moved to safety.

    Our correspondent gathered that it took a combined team of Rapid response Squad (RRS) policemen, officers from Lion Building, fire service and officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to quell the inferno.

    The Fire Service Director, Rasaq Fadipe confirmed the incident but said he didn’t have facts at the time of filing this report.

  • #Trending: Oba of Lagos snubs Oni of Ife

    #Trending: Oba of Lagos snubs Oni of Ife

    A video which captures Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, who publicly snubs the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi at a public function has gone viral.

    The video which lasted for 27 seconds, shows the Ooni of Ife arriving the venue of an event, where he exchanged plesantries with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

    The Ooni’s attempt to greet Oba Akiolu who was seated next to the Obi of Onitsha was rebuffed by the Lagos monarch who simply waved his hand and ignored the Ooni.

     

    Meanwhile, many Nigerians have criticized the action.

     

  • Military era, bane of Police inefficiency in Nigeria – Oba Akiolu

    Military era, bane of Police inefficiency in Nigeria – Oba Akiolu

    Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Monday said the long years of military rule contributed immensely to why the Police Force is struggling with efficiency and performance stating categorically that, “It was the military that killed the efficiency and performance of police”.

    Akiolu spoke at the opening ceremony of a two-day Stakeholder’s Summit organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, where keynote address was delivered by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who was represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney- General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

    The traditional ruler who recalled that he was the head of the police fighting force for years, however, urged President Buhari to ensure he worked with serious and open minded people who would give the Inspector- General of Police free hand to run the Force.

    This is as he said that the call to have community policing established in the country requires dedication, funds and men who were prepared to work.

    Also, he said the issue of police barracks collapsing could only be addressed through adequate funding by the Federal Government.

    “I have listened with rapt attention the argument of the Acting President who was represented by the AGF. And let me tell you the truth. It was the military that killed the efficiency and performance of police.

    “I was the head of the police fighting force for years. I am happy that at this time we have someone who is willing and prepared to assist the Nigerian police.

    “I want to urge the President to work with serious and open minded people who will give the IG free hand to run the force.

    “We are clamouring for community policing at the moment but I must tell you that it requires dedication, funds and men who are prepared to work.

    The reason for police barrack collapsing is that the Federal Government needs to release funds to rehabilitate the barracks in order for the DPO and others top police officers to live within the community they have been assigned to work,” the monarch said.

    Speaking further, Oba Akiolu, while denouncing the Police Service Commission (PSC), describing it is a toothless bulldog, said, it was unfair for someone to sit at the PS and determine who retires from the police.

    The Oba, who said he was a victim, pointed out that that was not how to run a very efficient police force, even as he disclosed that he had asked the officers who took the Federal Government to court over their premature retirement to withdraw the suit and go and claim their benefits.

    “For someone to sit at the Police Service Commission and determine who retires from the police is unfair. This is not how to run a very efficient police force.

    “I remember that I was a victim of that circumstance; then Atiku, Daura and others sat down and advised the president (Obasanjo) that if he wants to win Lagos in 2003, I must be removed. It was written on paper.

    “And in fairness to President Obasanjo, he argued that he knows nothing about it. And he had to send for the IG because the then Chief of Staff challenged the plan to retire me.

    “Also, what they wanted to use former IG, Tafa Balogun for at the end of the day. And that is why Alhaji Gambo is still bitter because he wanted Balogun to disclose what the PDP wanted him to do in 2003.

    “And all those money they alleged he was possessing, it was some of the governors that contributed that money to him. The PSC is a toothless bulldog. I have asked the officers who took the government to court to withdraw the suit and go and claim their benefits,” he said.

  • Oniba’s kidnap: Oba Akiolu tasks traditional rulers on security

    Oniba’s kidnap: Oba Akiolu tasks traditional rulers on security

    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, Tuesday tasked his colleagues to wake up to their responsibilities and take the business of security within their various communities seriously.

    Akiolu spoke when he led other traditional rulers under the aegis of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs to the Lagos House, Ikeja, on a “thank you” visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    He said the incident which led to the kidnap of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni, on July 16, was a wake-up call for them, noting that the business of protecting lives and property should not be left to the security agencies alone.

    He said, “Honestly as I told my brother Obas, all of us will have to go back and rearrange our security architecture. All hands must be on deck, everyone must assist the government. That’s why in my palace, people accuse me, but I told them that well, maybe because I was a policeman.

    “It is very necessary. We are happy because the governor did very well and the commissioner of police. Al the security agencies, even the navy, they did all that they could do but we still have to be at alert. Everybody must be prepared like the motto of the Boys Scout says; we are not going to take things for granted now,” Akiolu said.

    He commended the efforts of the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the security agencies in the State which led to the successful rescue of the Oba Oseni.

    He said the efforts of the security agencies, coupled with the valuable information provided by Nigerians came in handy in the investigation process.

    “First of all we should thank God almighty for sparing our lives to enable us see today and bringing one of us back home, Oba Oniba who was kidnapped.

    “We’ve come to say a big thank you to the Governor of Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police, DOC 81 Division, the SSS and all other security forces and the entire Lagos state and Nigerians in general for the valuable information given to the police, which led to the successful operation which brought our colleague back,” Akiolu said.

    Akiolu also warned vandals and kidnappers to keep away from the State, saying that the security apparatus in the State has been fortified to wage war against every form of criminality anywhere in the State.

    “It is in their interest to desist and look for other legal ventures to make ends meets. The mere fact that the economy appears not to okay does not mean that you resort to criminality. They should stop, not just kidnapping, but any form of criminality, no religion accepts such. Everybody is at alert now, we are on their toes now and with the encouragement given by the Chief of Naval Staff, the NSA and the IGP they will be chased down to anywhere they are”, he said.

    Responding, the governor said that the state government after learning of the incident deployed its security intelligence to unravel the circumstances surrounding the kidnap of Oba Oseni.

    “At the initial stage, when the Oba was kidnapped, it appeared as if government was not doing anything. That was actually not the case. It was not just a sacrilege in Yorubaland, but the traditional institution was indeed desecrated. So, we needed to dig into what really happened to reach a logical conclusion,” he said.

    Ambode while commending Oba Akiolu and other members of the traditional institution in the State for the support and concern during the period, assuring them that such incident would never occur in the State again.

    “We will now pay greater attention collectively to the security of our traditional rulers. We need to increase security especially for those rulers in the riverine areas. Whatever it is that the Council of Obas must do, must be done to strengthen the security in that area, but there must be cohesion and unity amongst us.

    “Anything that will bring about peace and make the State progress is our priority and the security of lives and property has always been the priority of this government,” the governor said.

  • Why Lagos is making progress – Oba Akiolu

    Why Lagos is making progress – Oba Akiolu

    Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1, on Saturday said the rapid transformation and development of Lagos State is largely due to the visionary, selfless and committed leaders which the State is blessed with, just as he said that the sterling achievements of the State has made it to remain a pride to all.

    Oba Akiolu, who spoke at the Inaugural Lecture to herald the Lagos at 50 Celebration held at the Glover Hall, Lagos, said the achievements of the State in all spheres of life did not just occur, but that same happened through the enduring legacies put together by leaders of the State since creation.

    Oba Akiolu, while highlighting the history of Lagos, said right from the time of first civilian governor of the State, Pa Lateef Kayode Jakande down to the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the State had been blessed with great leaders who genuinely have the interest of the State at heart and are totally committed to the development and progress of the State.

    The monarch also recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo denied the State of its federal allocation, and how former Governor Bola Tinubu and his team responded to the challenge by creating unique solution to the financial crisis, which is still working till date.

    Also speaking at the lecture, Governor Ambode assured that the one year long activities lined up to celebrate the golden jubilee of the State would be geared towards creating jobs and attracting more investors to the State.

    He said the celebration was designed to showcase the culture, arts, language, heritage and legacies of the State.

    The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Mrs Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said Lagos has always been one enviable State where both domestic and international investors want to invest, but that his government would build on such to attract more investors into the State.

    He said: “This event is a way to showcase Lagos to the world and attract more investors into our dear State. With more investors in the State, more job opportunities would be provided for our people and aside that, the celebration itself would ensure creation of jobs for our teeming youths, artisans and so on.”

    While soliciting for the support and corporation of residents, Governor Ambode said government alone cannot achieve everything which is why the people must work with government by paying their taxes and carrying out their civic responsibilities.

  • We’re hopeful on Chibok girls – Dambazau

    We’re hopeful on Chibok girls – Dambazau

    The Minister of Interior, Gen. Bello Dambazau at the weekend expressed hope that the abducted Chibok school girls will be rescued.

    He stated this during an interview with journalists at the palace of the Lagos Monarch, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu.

    Dambazau who paid a courtesy call on the monarch, urged Nigerians to stay hopeful, adding that the government was doing all within its power to ensure the girls’ safe return.

    According to him, the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were collaborating with the military in the efforts to rescue the abducted girls.

    “Though the rescue of the Chibok girls is not within my jurisdiction, as a parent, I would like to see the Chibok girls back home. It is unfortunate that a lot of time was wasted in the past, but Nigerians should not lose hope on the Chibok girls as the present government is working assiduously to bring the girls home.

    “The police and the Civil Defence Corps are also working with the army towards rescuing the girls and providing adequate security to all Nigerians,” Dambazau said.

    Earlier, Dambazau said he was at the palace to solicit the monarch’s support for agencies under his watch in Lagos.

    He also explained why the Ministry of Police Affairs was scrapped and the police put under the Interior Ministry.

  • Oba of Lagos urges investors to embrace e-dividend

    The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has urged investors to embrace the ongoing efforts at automating dividend payment by registering for the electronic dividend initiative of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    He advised investors to take advantage of the free e-dividend registration exercise to ensure that they receive returns on their investments in the capital market without undue delay.

    Oba Akiolu stated this in Lagos yesterday when management and staff of SEC visited him in his palace as part of the e-dividend sensitisation campaign in Lagos.

    He said Nigerians who invested in the capital market have suffered years of no returns due to the cumbersome nature of getting their dividends and urged them to register immediately to correct the anomaly.

    The Oba also lamented the practice by some stock brokers who sell off shares without the knowledge of the owners and commended SEC for instilling discipline in the market.

    “Many Nigerians have lost money in this market and that is why I am appealing to you to regulate well. Any operator that runs foul of the rules should be disciplined appropriately, and I know that with discipline and prayers we will get to the promised land”

    “I am also a victim of unclaimed dividends and I will do all I can to support SEC in this initiative. I will mobilise my people to ensure that everyone is aware of how to get their dividends electronically” he said.

    Oba Akiolu commended the DG and his team for the bold steps the Commission is taking to restore confidence in the market adding that e-dividend will reduce incidence of fraud in the market.

    Speaking earlier, Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo informed the Oba that the purpose of the visit was to receive Royal blessing on the e-Dividend registration campaign and to solicit his support on the exercise.

    He said the essence of the campaign is to enlighten Nigerians on the need to register electronically so that when dividends are declared by the various companies such can be transferred directly to the bank accounts of the shareholders.

    “What we have experienced in the Last 50 years is that people have not been opportune to enjoy their dividends due to various issues

    “e-dividend is very important because I believe it is going to be a major game changer, it is an issue we have had since the inception of this market whereby people buy shares and are unable to claim their dividend either because the warrant becomes stale, they change address or are living in an area that is quite far and it will take more than what the dividend warrant is worth and they will not want to go and collect it” he said.

    Gwarzo emphasised the need for Nigerians to go out and register with their banks or registrars so as to eradicate the issue of unclaimed dividends.

  • Breaking: Helicopter crashes into Lagos lagoon

    A yet to be identified helicopter crashed into the Oworonsoki lagoon in Lagos about 35 minutes ago.

    The crash site, according to sources, is directly behind the palace of the Oba of Lagos.

    The number of casualty and cause of the mishap had not been ascertained

    Confirming the incidence, the southwest spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, said, “It is true but NEMA has not receive distress alert from the chopper on its mission control centre yet.

    “We have Maritime Distress Alert only about a ship around Warri in Delta State, rescue agencies are on their way to the scene.”