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Tag: Rilwan Akiolu

  • Akiolu advocates better equipment of police, security agencies

    Akiolu advocates better equipment of police, security agencies

    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged the Federal Government to provide needed tools for the police and other security agencies to enable them to fight rising insecurity in the country.

    Akiolu spoke when the National President of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), who is also the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun, paid him a courtesy visit at his Idunganran palace, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

    The POWA president was accompanied by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, his wife, Riskat Jimoh and the wives of other top police officers.

    Akiolu said policing is a difficult task; therefore, police officers need modern equipment to tackle insecurity.

    He commended the Lagos CP for introducing new methods to reduce crime in the state and urged him to continue training his officers on the need to be civil to the citizens on their duty.

    “The task of policing is a herculean task. I urge the Federal Government to give police and other security agents the logistics to support their job.

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    The NDLEA and NAFDAC are trying. A police job is one of the best jobs anyone can do, depending on how you do the job,” he said.

    He added: “The present Commissioner of Police in Lagos has introduced new methods to combat crime in the state, and I want to commend him.

    “Continue lecturing your boys to be good and civil.  Don’t corrupt your position and always tell the people the truth. Do not be greedy,” Akiolu told CP Moshood.

    Oba Akiolu also advised wives of police officers to support their husbands and urged the citizens also to support the Federal Government in fighting insecurity.

    “All of us should be involved in the task of security. We should cooperate with the federal and state governments. Children should be taught the way of God. Tell your husbands to save for their retirements,” he told the POWA president and her entourage.

    On the newly elected local government chairmen in Lagos State, Oba Akiolu warned them not to see the local government financial autonomy as an avenue to enrich themselves.

    “President Tinubu, who pushed for the local government financial autonomy, did it for a purpose. The local government chairmen should not be tempted to steal. They should be careful.

    “Whoever among them has the intention to steal money should erase such a thought. Nigerians are very enlightened now,” he said.

    Dr. Egbetokun said her team was at the palace to thank Oba Akiolu for supporting the association during its recently concluded three-day national conference held in Lagos.

    She said participants at the conference were lectured on how to showcase their talents and use them for the benefit of the nation.

    “We thank Kabiyesi for supporting us during our conference and always praying for us. This shows that he loves us, and we are to show appreciation for his support,” she said.

  • Akiolu urges Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu, receives Super Eagles star Lookman

    Akiolu urges Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu, receives Super Eagles star Lookman

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence that the president will deliver dividends of democracy.

    Oba Akiolu spoke when he received the reigning African footballer of the year and Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman at his Idunganran palace, Lagos Island on Friday. Lookman was accompanied by his father and some associates.

    The Super Eagles and Atlanta football club star was at the palace to present his African footballer of the year trophy to the monarch. He had earlier visited President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence.

    Oba Akiolu commended Lookman for what he has achieved in his career and urged him to be honest in all he does as well as put more efforts to excel.

    He also praised him for visiting President Tinubu at his residence saying that the president is doing all he can to fulfill his campaign promises.

    Oba Akiolu urged Nigerians to pray for the administration and be patient with the current administration.

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    “The president always adhered to fatherly advice I give him and his wife has been cooperative . Nigerians should be patient and pray. The president has promised to do some landmark projects like the Lagos Calabar coastal road which he’s doing now. He has embarked on reforms. With patience, all will be well.

    On the local government financial autonomy, Oba Akiolu said the federal government should monitor spending of the local councils in the view of supreme court judgement which granted financial autonomy to them.

    With the direct payment of money to.the local government, they have to be very careful . We have to be serious in agriculture and the government both local , state and federal should carry out effective supervision of how money are spent. I pray that Nigeria, Lagos and other states will have  peaceful coexistence. Youths should be patient, look to God and be of good behaviour,” he said

    He added: Media should be constructive in their writings, not destructive journalism. God has done a lot for us as Nigerians through our president.”

  • Akiolu calls for bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Britain

    Akiolu calls for bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Britain

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu has called for more bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Britain, especially in the area of defence and business investments.

    While speaking on Thursday when he hosted officers of the British Royal Navy, who paid him a visit at his Idunganran palace, Oba Akiolu said the relationship between Nigeria and  Britain dated back to the colonial era when the British took over Lagos from the Portuguese.

    He noted that after Nigeria gained independence from the British in 1960, the country had struggled for more development.

    Akiolu, however, said the present government of President Bola Tinubu was making efforts to put Nigeria back to where it belongs in the comity of developed nations.

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    “When the British came to Nigeria, Nigeria was under the Portuguese. The British initially came for business interests but they also taught us diplomacy and development they left in 1960, Nigeria has not made enough progress. The current President is trying to move Nigeria forward and we will get there,” Akiolu said.

    In the area of insecurity facing Nigeria with several terrorist attacks in some parts of the country, Akiolu said, “the world is after peaceful co-existence and insurgency has no place in the modern world.”

    He called for more British investments in Nigeria saying that Nigeria has the population and manpower investors can tap from.

    The British should come and set up factories here. We have the market and the labour. There are many business interests in Britain that can come to Nigeria and they will not regret it,” he said.

    While giving reasons for their visit, the Senior Directing staff, Royal College of Defence Studies, Rear Admiral Steve Dainton, who led the group said they were in Nigeria as part of their one year defence training for several African countries , Nigeria included, which will end in July.

    He added that they visited the palace to receive royal blessings and know more about the history of Lagos from Oba Akiolu as well as tap from his experience as a retired senior police officer.

    He said the training was necessary in the face of global insecurity, adding that several countries are facing security challenges.

  • Akiolu to Nigerian: let’s preserve tradition

    Akiolu to Nigerian: let’s preserve tradition

    The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has urged Nigerians to continue to preserve culture and tradition.

    Oba Akiolu made this remark when he received the Seaman’s Schnapps team at his Iga Idunganran Lagos Island palace.

    The monarch praised the team for their deep-seated respect for traditional institutions and their continued dedication to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

    He joined in prayer with Seaman’s Schnapps, invoking continued prosperity for Lagos State and Nigeria at large, while also blessing the success and prosperity of the company across its diverse operations.

    Oba Akiolu promised to support the company in bringing to live its expansion efforts in Lagos.

    Marketing Manager of Grand Oak Limited, Distillers of Seaman’s Schnapps, Gbemileke Lawal, thanked the monarch for his graciousness.

    Read Also: Tinubu greets Oba of Lagos at 80

    He reiterated Grand Oak’s deep respect for the rich historical heritage of Lagos, including its traditional stool and the plethora of pre-colonial narratives that distinguish the city.

    Gbemileke highlighted that the partnership between Seaman’s Schnapps and the traditional institution represents a harmonious blend of tradition, people, and progress.

    “Through this significant visit, Seaman’s Schnapps aims to express its deep respect for traditional and cultural institutions. The brand plans to extend similar courtesies to key traditional leaders in Lagos for prayers, progress, and prosperity,” he said.

    Senior Brand Manager of Seaman’s Schnapps, Mrs. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho said: “Seaman’s Schnapps stands a symbol of tradition and reverence in Nigeria. With each sip, it evokes the essence of our cultural heritage, uniting communities in prayer and celebration. I take great pride in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

    “Our legacy of excellence is not just a testament to our product but to the enduring spirit of our people. Through Seaman’s Schnapps, we unlock blessings, honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future, one toast at a time.”

  • Oba Akiolu to Fed Govt: return seized properties to Lagos

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged the Federal Government to return properties it forcefully took from Lagos State.

    The monarch urged House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila to use his position as the fourth citizen in the national leadership hierarchy to help Lagos retrieve the properties.

    Oba Akiolu made the plea when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the Speaker and his deputy, Idris Wase, on a visit to the palace at the weekend.

    The monarch said he had “valid documents” to lay claims to the properties, which he said were taken during the military era.

    He said some of the properties dated back to the 19th century.

    He said: “We have a catalogue of requests from the Federal Government, from special status for the state to the return of all properties belonging to Lagos State Government, which were taken away by military fiat. We want the properties returned to us.”

    Read Also: Buhari not materialistic, says Oba Akiolu

    The monarch said the state must fight for the retrieval of the properties, which include CMS Grammar School and First Bank building on Lagos Island.

    According to him, they must be harnessed for improved service delivery to the people.

    “I have documents in my possession, which date back as far as 1800s, showing the ownership of all the properties from CMS Grammar School to the First Bank building in Lagos. These properties are needed back for the improvement of our people,” Oba Akiolu said.

    Receiving the Speaker at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described Gbajabiamila’s election as a great feat for the state.

    Sanwo-Olu also expressed joy that a Lagosian has been entrusted with the speakership of the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly.

    “We’re happy that as a Lagosian, you are the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This means a lot to us in the state. But beyond being a Lagosian, we’re happy that Nigeria is blessed with a great personality as her Speaker. We know that you will work for the good of the country,” he said.

    The governor informed the Speaker that Lagos deserved more from the Federal Government and said he hoped that Gbajabiamila would use his office to better the lot the state.

    Gbajabiamila described his “home-coming” as very emotional, noting: “It feels really great to be welcomed home by your people.”

    The Speaker noted that Lagos is his home, but Nigeria is his seat.

    He promised to be fair to every Nigerian while administering the House of Representatives.

    The Speaker promised better collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State government, saying so much is expected of Sanwo-Olu to deliver the dividend of democracy.

     

  • Court declares Rilwan Akiolu bona fide Oba of Lagos

    An Ikeja High Court yesterday declared Rilwan Akiolu as the bona fide Oba of Lagos.

    Justice A. Candide-Johnson made the declaration after dismissing a 16-year suit by several Lagos princes seeking to remove King Akiolu as the Oba.

    In a two-hour judgment, the judge held that the claimants, including Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile, both of the Akinsemoyin Ruling House of Lagos, failed to prove their case.

    He held that the evidence offered by the defence before the court showed that Akiolu had a rightful claim to the throne.

    Justice Candide-Johnson said: “The claimants alleged that the Solanke Tribunal submitted a Report in 1976 stating that the Obaship stool is by rotation. None of the claimants produced a copy of the report in court.

    “The claimants failed to provide concrete of credible evidence of the alleged rotation of the two ruling houses.

    “The claimants claimed the Akiolu branch of the Ologun Kutere line has gone into extinction. The third defendant (Akiolu) in his evidence was able to trace the lineage of his stool.

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    “The evidence of the claimant’s witnesses were full of contradictions. From the totality of the evidence before the court, I hereby pronounce His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, is the valid legitimate Oba of Lagos.

    “The case of the claimants is hereby dismissed.”

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    The judge observed that no lineage of Oba Akinsemoyin has been able to become Oba of Lagos for over 200 years.

    “For 200 years all the Obas of Lagos trace their lineage to Oba Ado and not Akinsemoyin.

    “A burden of the Akinsemoyin descendants has been to succeed the throne of the Oba of Lagos and this suit is reflective of that,” he said.

    Prince Adebiyi and Prince Modile had further claimed that Akiolu’s coronation failed to observe a customary 90-day waiting period before a new Oba can be enthroned after the demise of the former Oba.

    But the court noted that no such custom was binding in the installation of an Oba of Lagos.

    Justice Candide-Johnson said: “I hold that the customs and traditions represent the legal, credible customary law of succession to the throne of the Oba of Lagos.

    “In his evidence, Oba Akiolu eloquently quoted and gave examples of three previous Obas who were installed as Obas with no 90-day rule.

    “The 90-day waiting period is not the custom of the people of Lagos and not a binding rule in the installation of the Oba of Lagos.

    “The claimants have failed to prove the authenticity of the 90-day rule,” Candide-Johnson said.

    Adebiyi and Modile were candidates chosen by the Akinsemoyin Ruling House to contest the throne of Lagos in 2003 after the demise of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan on March 7, 2003.

    They lost the race to Akiolu, who they alleged had no rightful claim to the throne.

    They filed the suit on May 30, 2003.

    Joined in the suit as respondents were the state governor and the then Attorney-General of Lagos State, Prince Awobade Pearse.

    Others are the representative of the Ologun Kutere Ruling House and Chief J.J. Junaid-Eko and the head of the traditional white cap chiefs of Lagos.

    Other respondents include Prince Kola Balogun and Mr Musibau Kelani, who are respectively the Head and Secretary of the Eshilokun Royal Family.

  • Court declares Rilwan Akiolu bona-fide Oba of Lagos

    An Ikeja High Court on Friday declared Rilwan Akiolu as the bona-fide Oba of Lagos.

    Justice A. Candide-Johnson made the declaration after dismissing a 16-year suit by several Lagos princes seeking to remove King Akiolu as the Oba.

    In a two-hour judgment, the judge held that the claimants, including Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile, both of the Akinsemoyin Ruling House of Lagos, failed to prove their case.

    He held that the evidence offered by the defense before the court, showed that Akiolu had a rightful claim to the throne.

    Justice Candide-Johnson said: “The claimants alleged that the Solanke Tribunal submitted a Report in 1976 stating that the Obaship stool is by rotation. None of the claimants produced a copy of the report in court.

    “The claimants failed to provide concrete of credible evidence of the alleged rotation of the two ruling houses.

    “The claimants claimed the Akiolu branch of the Ologun Kutere line has gone into extinction. The third defendant (Akiolu) in his evidence was able to trace the lineage of his stool.

    “The evidence of the claimant’s witnesses were full of contradictions. From the totality of the evidence before the court, I hereby pronounce His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, is the valid legitimate Oba of Lagos.

    “The case of the claimants is hereby dismissed.”

    The judge observed that no lineage of Oba Akinsemoyin has been able to become Oba of Lagos for over 200 years.

    “For 200 years all the Obas of Lagos trace their lineage to Oba Ado and not Akinsemoyin.

    “A burden of the Akinsemoyin descendants has been to succeed the throne of the Oba of Lagos and this suit is reflective of that,” he said.

    Read Also: Court dismisses suit seeking to remove Oba of Lagos

    Prince Adebiyi and Prince Modile had further claimed that Akiolu’s coronation failed to observe a customary 90-day waiting period before a new Oba can be enthroned after the demise of the former Oba.

    But the court noted that no such custom was binding in the installation of an Oba of Lagos.

    Justice Candide-Johnson said: “I hold that the customs and traditions represent the legal, credible customary law of succession to the throne of the Oba of Lagos.

    “In his evidence, Oba Akiolu eloquently quoted and gave examples of three previous Obas who were installed as Obas with no 90-day rule.

    “The 90-day waiting period is not the custom of the people of Lagos and not a binding rule in the installation of the Oba of Lagos.

    “The claimants have failed to prove the authenticity of the 90-day rule,” Candide-Johnson said.

    Adebiyi and Modile were candidates chosen by the Akinsemoyin Ruling House to contest the throne of Lagos in 2003 after the demise of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, in March 7, 2003.

    They lost the race to Akiolu, who they alleged had no rightful claim to the throne.
    They filed the suit on May 30, 2003.

    Joined in the suit as respondents were the state governor and the then Attorney-General of Lagos State, Prince Awobade Pearse.

    Others are the representative of the Ologun Kutere Ruling House and Chief J.J. Junaid-Eko and the head of the traditional white cap chiefs of Lagos.

    Other respondents include Prince Kola Balogun and Mr Musibau Kelani, who are the respectively the Head and Secretary of the Eshilokun Royal Family.

  • 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.

  • LASG officials inspect burnt Oba of Lagos palace

    Some officials from the Lagos State Government (LASG) on Wednesday inspected the burnt portion of Iga Iduganran, the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Lagos Island.

    The visit followed a fire that gutted a section of the palace on Tuesday.

    A reliable source within the palace disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the palace.

    The source, who pleaded anonymity, said the officials visited the palace to assess the extent of damage but did not make any comment after the inspection.

    The source said that the fire affected a section of the new palace building and not the old one where traditional artifacts and relics are kept.

    “A little portion of the new palace was affected by the fire outbreak but the ancient relics are still intact as they are kept at the former (old) palace.

    “The Lagos State Government officials visited the palace this morning and had seen the burnt portion.

    “I think it is the responsibility of the Lagos State Government to fix whatever was destroyed by the fire,’’ the source said.

    NAN also reports that normal activities have resumed in around the palace with traders and buyers going about their businesses.

    The fire was put out by men of the Lagos State Fire Service.

  • I didn’t snub Ooni, says Akiolu

    I didn’t snub Ooni, says Akiolu

    OBA of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu yesterday cleared the air on the video in the social media being misconstrued for the monarch’s snubbing the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi at a public function in Lagos.

    One of the white cap chiefs, Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa Onido of Lagos, said the Lagos Monarch did not ignore Ooni of Ife at the public function as being misconceived by people.

    The video in which Oba Akiolu allegedly refused to return the greetings of the Ooni at a function went viral on Wednesday, drawing outrage in the social media.

    But chief Ajose said noting of such happened According to him, what the people misconstrued as snubbing is the culturally acclaimed way of greeting by a monarch in Lagos.

    He said the Lagos monarch has been trying to revive the culture and tradition of ancient Lagos, which is peculiar to the state.

    The Opeluwa Onidi said: “Other tribes also have their peculiar ways of greeting. The sign by Oba Akiolu signifies, ‘inu mi, inu e’, the culture of greeting in Lagos. If Oba Akiolu wanted to ignore, he would have turned his face away from Ooni. There is no misunderstanding between both highly revered Monarchs in Yoruba Land”.

    According to him, the relationship between both Yoruba kings is peaceful and mutual.

    He said: “Oba Akiolu was well represented at the coronation of Ooni of Ife, which attested to the fact that he does not disregard the office of Ooni Adeyeye.

    Chief Ajose said Oba Akiolu had waited till this time to react to the issue because he had to meet with other chiefs in the palace and meet minds before addressing the public on the matter.

    “There is no sentiment in the culture of Lagos. As we met it that is the way we are doing it. Kabiyesi Oba Akiolu is trying to bring back the old pattern, the old culture we have left behind.

    “What happened that day was wrongly speculated by the social media to disrupt peace and order and misinterpret Oba Akiolu’s action.

    “We just want to appeal to the social media to stop spreading wrong information. They should try and understand the reason behind every action carried out most especially by traditional rulers. Yoruba has a very rich culture. There is no quarrel between the Oba of Lagos and Ooni of Ife.”

    A spokesman at the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, said that Oba Ogunwusi will never be disrespect to the Oba Akiolu.

    The statement restated Oba Ogunwusi’s commitment to unity among royal fathers in Yorubaland.

    Also yesterday, the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe took exception to a request for his comment on what transpired between the two foremost roray fathers.

    He urged reporters against dabbling into issues involving the royalty.

    “You are very rude to ask me such a question.” the Igwe told The Nation reporter on the sideline of an event in Lagos yesterday.