The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Osuolale Akiolu, on Sunday celebrated his 23rd coronation anniversary, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for sustaining him on the throne and for the progress recorded in Lagos State over the years.
The monarch spoke with journalists at a special prayer held at the Iduganran Palace, Lagos, to commemorate the anniversary. Reflecting on his 23 years on the throne, Oba Akiolu recalled that he was corronated at the traditional palace in Enu Owa, Lagos.
“Everything in the world that breathes can go at any time. And that is why anytime you are doing something, you should always think of the effects and think of God Almighty, Allah.
“I thank God today is exactly 23 years ago when the late Chief Tajudeen Gbadesere the Eleutu of Lagos, now deceased, placed the crown on me at the traditional palace in Enu Owa, Lagos. And since then, it has been progress upon progress upon progress.
“I thank God Almighty Allah. It was made possible by the blessing of God Almighty Allah and the support of our now President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was at that material time the Governor of Lagos State,” he said.
The monarch emphasised the important role of traditional institutions in maintaining societal order and contributing to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
He said traditional rulers should continue to work with government and other stakeholders to promote peace, safety and prosperity among their subjects.
Oba Akiolu also called for adequate support for traditional institutions to enable them effectively discharge their responsibilities.
“And I’ve pleaded and advised the government to upgrade deserving traditional rulers and also give them logistic support to hold that office,” he said.
He urged monarchs to remain God-fearing and always consider the consequences of their actions, stressing that leadership at every level requires wisdom and divine guidance.
According to him, one of the major lessons he had learnt in 23 years on the throne was the need for people, regardless of their status, to seek divine direction before taking decisions.
“Well, you see, in this life, if you are a right-thinking and God-fearing person, no matter if you may be a monarch or an ordinary person, if you want to do anything at all, you think of the effect it will have and consequence of what you want to do, and pray to God to guide you in the right direction,” he said.
The anniversary celebration was witnessed by dignitaries from the public and private sectors, including former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire; Head of the Lagos State Civil Service, Mr Bode Agoro; and Mr Fila Tinubu, among others.
Speaking at the event, Agoro described Oba Akiolu as a compassionate and disciplined father to all, stressing that the monarch combines firmness with kindness.
“I’ll describe Kabiyesi as a father to all, like you said. Very compassionate, very disciplined. Kabiyesi doesn’t suffer fools gladly. He stays on the path of the righteous.
“You do well, he will support you. If you don’t do well, he will tell you off. So he’s very firm, he’s a disciplinarian—well, you know, he was a policeman. So he’s strict on discipline, but has a very kind heart.
“Oba, ah, Eko! He has a very, very, very kind and loving heart. Strict, but kind and loving,” Agoro said.
He also commended the monarch for his contribution to the preservation of Lagos history, culture and traditions, noting that Oba Akiolu regularly engages government on issues relating to traditional values.
“Absolutely! Kabiyesi holds the tradition firmly. Anything… if we do something in civil service and it’s not right, Kabiyesi will write to us.
“He will recite history to us. He will tell us what the tradition is or used to be. When Isese Day comes up, Kabiyesi will write to us and say we must not forget Isese, that we must declare Isese Day public holiday like we do to others.
“It’s Kabiyesi that always writes to us. Kabiyesi is firm on traditional religion. As you know, he’s an institution. He has all the facts and figures in his head.
“Kabiyesi will recite and quote dates, times, lawsuits, everything! Kabiyesi will recite for you. It’s amazing,” he said.
Agoro prayed for the monarch to enjoy many more years on the throne in good health and happiness.
“Kabiyesi, may you live long for many, many more years. This is 23; we’re going to come back here and we’ll do 33 years. We’re going to come back here, all of us, and we’ll do 43 years.”
