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Tag: Oba Rilwan Akiolu

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu felicitate Oba of Lagos at 80

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu felicitate Oba of Lagos at 80

    President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have felicitated His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos State, on his 80th birthday.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu described the revered monarch as a fountain of wisdom, knowledge, and a staunch custodian of the rich culture and traditions of Lagos.

    “Oba Akiolu and I have come a long way. He is my confidant. He is a dear friend I hold in high esteem for his integrity, honour, and forthrightness. He is always generous with his wise counsel and always willing to offer his fatherly guidance.

    “Baba is a defender of the truth and his people. My achievements as Lagos State Governor are partly due to his support and counsel. His Majesty’s reign has brought peace, progress, and development to the good people of Lagos,” the President says.

    The President thanked the Eleko of Eko for his unceasing prayers and support, recalling his interventions over the years, even in trying times.

    “Today, I celebrate an extraordinary monarch whose wit and foresight are peerless. May His Majesty live long, and may his reign on the throne of his fathers continue to be prosperous,” President Tinubu prays.

    The statement further described Oba of Lagos as a monarch of many achievements, who rose to the pinnacle of his professional career, retiring as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

    Also extolling the monarch’s virtues, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described him as a visionary and vibrant leader. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, others hail Osoba at 84

    He said Oba Akiolu, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, who clocks 80 today, is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.

    Sanwo-Olu said Oba Akiolu has brought quality leadership to his subjects since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 2003.

    He said: “On behalf of my wife and family, the government, and people of Lagos State, I congratulate Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on the auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday. It is with great delight that I join Oba Akiolu’s family, friends, associates and subjects to celebrate his 80th birthday.

    “We celebrate Oba Akiolu for the impactful and purposeful life that he has lived, especially in the last 20 years of his reign as the Oba of Lagos. He is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.

    “Oba Akiolu used his elevated positions in the Police to uplift the standards of life of the people he served. As an Assistant Inspector General of Police, he discharged his duties with the utmost professionalism, competence and dedication. He left the Nigerian Police in 2002 with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty He is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.

    “Since ascending the throne of his forefathers as Oba of Lagos in 2003, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has displayed exemplary leadership in Lagos. I salute his passion and commitment to the growth and development of Lagos State. Indeed, the people of Lagos are lucky to have a disciplinarian like Oba Akiolu as their paramount ruler. He is a visionary and vibrant monarch, who is always at the forefront of the fight for justice, equity and fairness for the people of Lagos, the Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

    “As the Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Akiolu has used his wealth of experience and knowledge to contribute to the peace, progress and development of Lagos State. His commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage and history is unparalleled.  

    “As Oba Akiolu joins the Octogenarian Club, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bestow on him, good health, wisdom, knowledge and understanding for a continuous reign of peace, prosperity and love in Lagos. He will witness many more fruitful years on the throne of his forefathers for the continuous service to humanity, Lagos and our dear country, Nigeria.”

  • Lagos monarch lauds Terra cubes

    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) formally unveiled to the media a few days ago in Lagos. Oba Akiolu also said reports from his household revealed that Terra Cubes are of first-rate quality and possesses all it takes to dominate the market in a very short period of time.

    “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,” he said.

     

     

  • Tinubu, Gbajabiamila, Akiolu grace Muniru Muse Cup finals

    The Oba of Lagos, HRM. Oba Rilwan Akiolu, CFR; Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Majority Leader, Federal House of Representatives and representative of Lagos-Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Oluremi Tinubu, OON, were among the dignitaries present at the finals of the 8th edition of the Muniru Muse Under-12 and Under-15 boys and girls football Championship held at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island on Sunday, 19th August, 2017.
    The competition sponsored by Senator Tinubu and organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association, saw Rivers FC of Yaba defeat Latoyam FC of Coker Aguda 3-2 in the final of the U-15 Boys category, while Rasheedat Adu Queens of Iru beat Golden swan FC of Lagos Island to emerge U-12 girls’ champions.
    Both winners in the male and female categories pocketed the star prize of N250, 000 and a giant trophy each for their impressive outing, while the runners-up pocketed the sum of N150, 000 each for their efforts. Third-placed teams were also rewarded with N100, 000 cash prize.
    Senator Oluremi Tinubu who took the mantle of running the competition from Senator Muniru Muse, said that the competition is aimed at producing young and wonderful athletes who will make the state and the country proud.
    “I don’t really like to watch football because I want everybody to win. But this is an avenue for families to come out and have a good time. Every year people keep coming and we keep making sure that they are well entertained, they have lunch thanks to Honeywell for all the noodles and egg. So I’m so excited.
    “The children have always been neglected and this competition is to get young people into the game.
    “This competition was not initiated by me, it was initiated by my predecessor. So I saw that it is good and I started working on it and continued with the name.
    The name doesn’t really matter to me, but the game has to continue and I’m glad he is here we are alive and we give glory to God.
    “The young ones should keep giving their best, they are all talented youths, and every youth that is not playing soccer today should try to discover their talents. I believe that the sky will be the limit for them,” Senator Tinubu said.
    Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen of Lagos Central Senatorial District, Chairman Lagos Island East LCDA, Honourable Kamal Bashua Salaudeen commended the wife of the former Lagos State First Lady for her commitment towards the sponsorship of the annual competition which has continued to produce talents for both local and national teams.
    Other dignitaries present at the finals include Chief Kessington Adebutu, CON (baba Ijebu) ably represented by Chief Adeniyi Williams; Senator Muniru Muse; Chief Adeniyi Williams representing Chief Kessington Adebutu, CON (baba Ijebu); a representative of Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc. and Honeywell Group Limited, Oba Otudeko (CFR) and State APC Chairman, Hon. Tunde Balogun amongst others.
  • Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

    Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said that the Federal Government would continue to encourage partnership among states for their development.

    Osinbajo spoke in Epe at a 2-day Lagos-Kano Economic and Investment Summit with theme: “States Partnership as a Tool for Sustainable Economic Development.”

    Osinbajo said that the Federal Government would not undermine the economy of any state, adding that the era of doing so was over.

    “On our own part, the Federal Government will support the efforts of all state governments to reform their economies, to attract investment and to collaborate with one another.

    “The days where the Federal Government will sit to undermine governors and their administrations are now behind us,” he said.

    He said that the state governments could attest to the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari was deeply committed to helping every state achieve its full economic potential.

    “As a government, we have been careful not to hold back information from the states, because we realised that development can only happen in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration,” Osinbajo said.

    The Vice-President noted that if the nation’s economy must be reviewed, there was need for states to leverage and synergise on their comparative advantages to improve their economy.

    “This development will as well rub on the nation’s economy and in the overall benefit of the citizenry,” he said.

    He commended both state governments for the initiative, saying that it was in line with the federal government’s economic recovery growth plan.

    He said that the Federal Government would pay serious attention to the outcome of the summit to help guide and direct its engagement with the two states.

    Osinbajo said that going by the current and projected rate of urbanisation, cities, not countries would propel the economy of the future.

    “Cities around the world existed longer than the countries to which they belong.

    “Lagos and Kano are as much cities as they are states. Long before Nigeria existed, both cities existed as important regional centres of trade and commerce,” he said.

    He said that the summit would provide the opportunity for both states to accept themselves economically.

    Osinbajo said it would also give room for them to see rapidly emerging opportunities, as well as ride the ways of investments and innovation to become truly globally competitive, and to show the way to other states.

    In his remarks, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State called for more inter-regional trade and cooperation among states.

    According to Ambode, Nigeria should start thinking ahead, because the country’s economy still remains dependent on oil.

    He said that Lagos State would partner Kano State in areas of transport infrastructure, road, rail lines, education, market development, security, among others.

    His Kano state counterpart, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, who listed several similarities between his state and Lagos, was optimistic that the summit would generate perspectives that would lead to future prosperity for the two states.

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, Gov. Abubarkar Bagudu of Kebbi State, were among dignataries at the summit.

    NAN

  • Ambode tasks FG on proactive system of governance

    Ambode tasks FG on proactive system of governance

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday urged the Federal Government to take necessary steps to activate the process of restructuring the present system of governance, with a view to adopting a proactive system.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, made the plea at the Independence Day Parade in Lagos to commemorate Nigeria’s 57th Independence Anniversary.

    He said there was the need to proactively adopt a system that would empower the component units of the federation to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    According to him, such innovations could better the living conditions of the people.

    “As we celebrate our 57th independence anniversary, we must take a critical, objective assessment of our current situation in the country and resolve to do the right things.

    “It is becoming clearer by the day that the present system is not the best and may not guarantee the future we all desire,’’ he said.

    Ambode also urged Nigerians to remain united, confident and hopeful as the nation was on the path of recovery.

    “This is not the time to call for division, it is a time to uphold what has united us in peace and love.

    “’It is a time for each and everyone of us to rise against the ills that have, for long, not only undermined our progress but also our ability to harness our potential as a people to live a decent life,’’ he said.

    The Governor, however, thanked residents for keeping faith with his administration by fulfiling their tax obligations.

    He urged them to obey the laws and regulations put in place to promote security, peace and the general well-being of the citizens.

    The governor also urged residents to live in peace and be tolerant, saying that Lagos State is home to every ethnic group in the country.

    “’On our part as a government, we shall continue to develop solutions in a creative and innovative way, to address the challenges facing our people in all sectors of the economy,’’ Ambode said.

    Also speaking, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Akiolu 1, prayed for more progress, stability and peace in Lagos State, in particular and Nigeria, in general.

    Akiolu appealed to the federal government to consider the Special Status bill for Lagos State, saying that the state caters for many mouths and deserved to be treated as such.

  • Lagos remains home to all tribes, nationalities – Ambode, Akiolu

    Lagos remains home to all tribes, nationalities – Ambode, Akiolu

    …Back Osinbajo’s Reconciliatory Moves on National Unity

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday commended the measures taken so far by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and by extension the Federal Government to quell tensions generated by agitation from some ethnic nationalities seeking to break away from Nigeria, saying that the unity of the country should be of paramount importance to all.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja when he received on courtesy visit members of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs led by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, said as a State, Lagos would continue to support every effort made to keep the unity of the country especially by maintaining peace and accommodating all.

    Speaking against the backdrop of earlier comments by Akiolu to the effect that the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the State were solidly in support of the peaceful co-existence of people in the country, Governor Ambode said the oneness of the country was of the essence, and that it was important for every segment of the country to promote the unity of the nation.

    He said: “I also want to join the Chairman of Council of Obas and Chiefs in Lagos State to reiterate our support for the Federal Government to keep the unity of Nigeria and also uphold the tenets of the Constitution. We are very happy that all our traditional rulers in Lagos believe in oneness of Nigeria.

    “We are happy also that we are very accommodating. We are also happy that we allow people from other tribes to live with us and we are ready to do everything to support the Acting President and the Federal Government in general that every effort they make, we will ensure that Lagos remains peaceful and then Nigeria remains peaceful,” Governor Ambode assured.

    While reiterating the commitment of his administration to frontally address security issues in the State, Governor Ambode thanked the traditional rulers for supporting his efforts to ensure safety of lives and property in the State.

    “I want to thank you for your support in terms of security. You are part of the security architecture of Lagos State because without you, we will not get the information we are using to reach out to the police and I also want to thank you for supporting our Neighborhood Safety Corps initiative.

    “Like I said, it is about neighborhood safety and we have seen the hands of all our monarchs in the operation of the corps. We believe strongly that we need to put more efforts in the Neighborhood Safety Corps to make sure that this issue of kidnapping and other criminal activities become a thing of the past within the shortest possible time,” the Governor said.

    Speaking specifically on the children that were kidnapped at the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla-Epe, Governor Ambode said at the moment, he would not want to divulge details of efforts being made by government to end kidnapping and other crimes in the State, but expressed optimism that the efforts would yield positive results.

    “Like I said somewhere yesterday, I don’t like running government on the pages of newspapers because sometimes when we do it, it will jeopardize what we are doing on security which is why we have been very tactical about doing media trial in things like this.

    “But just to let our monarchs know what we are doing, I feel very bad each time I hear about this but again life and safety first thereafter we will deal with other things. But to let you know truly that sometimes, some of these kidnapping issues are actually from enemies within but I just pray that when the children comes back, we will be able to talk about those things and so I just ask people to give us some time as we gather intelligence,” he said.

    Earlier, Akiolu commended Governor Ambode for his efforts so far, and prayed for him to have a successful tenure of office, saying that the giant strides of the present government were appreciated.

    He also said that monarchs in the State were very much in support of the peaceful co-existence of the country, adding that every tribe is welcome in Lagos.

    “The peaceful co-existence of everybody is what we are after in Lagos and I have to say that Lagos is home to all,” Akiolu said.

    Besides, the monarch reiterated the call for Lagos to be granted Special Status, saying that doing so would be to the overall benefit of the country.

     

  • Why my reign is being challenged, Oba Akiolu tells court

    Why my reign is being challenged, Oba Akiolu tells court

    Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos Tuesday 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 each other, we are equal in the eyes of God but not equal in our love for God,” Akiolu said.

    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, the then Oba of Lagos in 2003 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, in the Lagos State selection of Obas, 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 – months 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. “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 king makers 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 butress his position, he said that one of the former monarchs 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 for continuation of hearing.

  • Lagos greatness lies in its melting point for all cultures – Ambode

    Lagos greatness lies in its melting point for all cultures – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday attributed the greatness of the State to its ability to be the melting point for all cultures, just as he said that the people of the State over the years have distinguished themselves in making others feel home away from home.

    Speaking at the Lagos History Lecture held at Eko Hotels and Suits with the theme: “Lagos: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” as part of activities marking Golden Jubilee anniversary of the State, Governor Ambode recalled that since inception, Lagos had effectively transited from an administrative entity to become the melting point of cultures and the socio-political and economic jurisdiction of global significance, rated today, as the fifth largest economy in Africa.

    He described the lecture as an opportunity to have an introspection into the past, engage in an objective appraisal of the present and, a realistic prognosis of the future of another fifty years.

    He said such necessitated the assemblage of knowledgeable royal fathers, elder statesmen, jurists of distinction and Lagos indigenes of repute to trace the history of the State and proffer insights as to the areas to concentrate on for the future.

    Going down memory lane, Governor Ambode said: “It is important for us at this epochal gathering to refresh our memory about the beginning; the journey of how the AWORI played an important role in the evolution of what we call Lagos today:

    “The same applies to the evolution of the EKO Royalty with the coming of the Bini from present day Edo State and even the momentous role played by the TAPPA in the making of our dear State.

    “Our greatness is in our ability to be the melting point for all cultures and as at today, there is no tribe in Nigeria that is not represented in Lagos. From the Hausa/Fulani to the Igbo to the Kanuri to the Ibibio, the Nupe, the Berom, the Igala and so on and so forth all have spaces to live and live well in our dear State.

    “Lagos is not just national in outlook. It is international. The Americans are here; the British are here; South Africans are in their thousands; the Chinese are not in short supply; and the Indians even have a community in Lagos.

    “With all sense of modesty, there is no other State like Lagos in Nigeria. Some may say we owe this to the fact that Lagos used to be a Federal Capital Territory. But I really do not think so. While that may have contributed to our greatness, we are also a unique people ready to make fellow human-beings from other lands feel home away from home,” the Governor said.

    While noting the progress which Lagos had witnessed politically, socially and economically, Governor Ambode said he was certain that the progenitors of the State would be happy in their graves with the tremendous progress in all spheres of governance that have elatedly become the lots of the State.

    In his keynote lecture, Professor Hakeem Danmole traced the history of Lagos since the inception, saying that it was commendable that the legacy of achievement has been sustained in the State.

    Going foward, Danmole, who is the Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, said the State must strictly adhere to rules and regulations, adding that for Lagos to reach greater heights, developmental plan must be followed.

    While calling on the Federal Government to collaborate with the State Government to fast-track development in Lagos, Danmole urged the State Government to fully utilize its God’s given environment especially in area of water transportation.

    Responding to a call by Governor Ambode for the notion of Lagos being a no man’s land to be addressed, first Town Clark of the Lagos City Council, Senator Habib Fasinro and former Minister of Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN) said those behind such claim were ignorant.

    They said such claim was not only misleading but confrontational, as same abused the history of the indiginous people of Lagos such as the Aworis, Egbas, Binis, Ijeshas, Nupes, Brazilian returnees, among others.

    On his part, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu corroborated Fasinro and Okunnu, and urged the National Assembly to reconsider the motion to grant special status to Lagos, saying doing so would be in best interest of Nigeria.

  • Peterside seeks support of traditional rulers on economic diversification

    Peterside seeks support of traditional rulers on economic diversification

    The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, has called on traditional rulers in the maritime domain to assist toward the economic diversification drive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Peterside made the call when he led the Management of NIMASA on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu in his palace in Lagos, as part of his stakeholders’ engagement.

    The Director- General said his visit to the traditional ruler was informed by the critical role the traditional institution played in nation building as custodians of culture and tradition.

    He described Lagos as the economic gateway of Nigeria with enormous maritime resources.

    According to Peterside, the state is the hub of maritime activities in Nigeria as it is the only state in the country that has two international seaports.

    “Lagos plays a very important role in the economic development of Nigeria because it is the hub of maritime activities in the country.

    “Therefore, there is need for all stakeholders in Lagos to work with government and its agencies for the economic diversification of the Nigeria,’’

    Peterside said the roles of NIMASA included regulation of shipping and shipping activities as well as promotion of indigenous shipping.

    The Director- General calls for the support of the traditional ruler for an enabling operational environment.

    He said that in the course of carrying out its regulatory functions, the agency might need the support of the traditional institution in one way or the other.

    “We will come hard on erring operators and stakeholders and we will need your support where necessary in order to achieve our aims for the benefit of Nigeria,’’ Peterside said.

    In his response, Akiolu commended the Management of NIMASA.

    He said he was impressed by the good works being done to revolutionise the maritime sector in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s change agenda.

    Akiolu said the agency could count on the him and his traditional council to provide a conducive environment for maritime activities to thrive.

    He also said that he had instructed his chiefs around the operational base of the agency in Lagos to ensure that “the place is secured for people to carry out their legitimate businesses’’.

    NIMASA is a Federal Government agency, saddled with the responsibility of regulating maritime activities and promoting indigenous shipping in Nigeria.

    The agency has its corporate headquarters in Lagos and other operational zones in Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar, among others.

     

  • 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.