The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged political office holders across the country to embrace hard work, honesty and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that selfless leadership remains indispensable to national development and good governance.
The monarch also admonished elected leaders to place service to the people above personal or financial interests, saying sincerity, accountability and dedication should remain the guiding principles of public office.
Oba Akiolu gave the charge on Saturday when a delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairmen, led by the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, paid him a courtesy visit at the Iga Iduganran Palace in Lagos.
Addressing the party leaders, the revered monarch urged them to remain committed to the ideals of the APC while working diligently to advance Nigeria’s development.
He charged the chairmen to prioritise the nation’s interest above personal gain, noting that effective political leadership must be anchored on honesty, dedication and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
“Go to your various states and work hard with sincerity and honesty. Those who are not doing it for monetary gains should remain steadfast,” the monarch said.
Oba Akiolu acknowledged the country’s prevailing security, economic and business challenges, but urged Nigerians not to lose hope. Instead, he called for unity, perseverance and continued prayers for divine guidance in overcoming the nation’s difficulties.
According to him, despite the current hardships, both leaders and citizens must continue working towards peace, stability and sustainable development, adding that national progress can only be achieved through collective responsibility and sincere leadership.
Speaking further to the party leaders, who were at the palace to seek royal blessings ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, the traditional ruler expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political future, predicting that he would secure re-election despite any political opposition.
“No matter any manoeuvre, Asiwaju is going to emerge president in the next coming election,” he declared.
He, however, urged Nigerians to pray for the President’s good health, as well as for peace, unity and stability in the country, stressing that Nigeria’s future ultimately rests in the hands of God.
The Oba also appealed to journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by reporting accurately and responsibly, noting that constructive journalism promotes national development, while sensational reporting has the potential to undermine peace.
Quoting former President Goodluck Jonathan, he reminded politicians that governance should be driven by development rather than electoral calculations.
“My good friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan, always says politicians think of the next election, while statesmen think of growth and development,” he said.
Oba Akiolu further condemned vote-buying and the monetisation of politics, warning that such practices weaken democracy and undermine the credibility of elections.
He also encouraged eligible Nigerians who were yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to register and participate actively in the electoral process, describing voting as a civic responsibility rather than a financial transaction.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, said the visit was to pay homage to the Oba and seek his royal blessings as the party begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He assured the monarch that APC leaders across the country were intensifying efforts to strengthen the party’s structures and improve its electoral fortunes ahead of the polls.
According to him, APC state chairmen have resolved to mobilise greater support for President Tinubu’s administration and deliver improved electoral outcomes in their respective states.
“We are working in our various states to ensure we deliver even more votes than the President received in the last election,” he said.
Tenebe disclosed that the APC in Edo State had set a target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election, attributing the optimism to what he described as the developmental strides of both the President and the Edo State Government.
“We promised that we would give Mr President 2.5 million votes because of what he is doing in our state and what the governor is doing. It is going to be replicated in all the states,” he added.
He thanked the Oba of Lagos for receiving the delegation and offering royal blessings, expressing confidence that the monarch’s prayers and goodwill would inspire party members as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
