Top 4 quotes from the Oba of Lagos that people will never forget (No 2 is shocking)
Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu who was born on October 29, 1943, is the incumbent traditional Oba of Lagos. He has been in the position since 2003.
After his high school education, Oba Akiolu served for 32 years in the Nigeria police force starting from 1970. He served in various capacities and was promoted to the post of Assistant Inspector General of Police in 1999. He was active until his retirement in 2002.
His stint in the police force might have contributed to his bold and outspoken manner, for several times he has been in the eye of controversy, over something he said or did. Here are 4 of his statements that have led to controversy.
1. During the 2015 Lagos gubernatorial elections
In March 2015, while speaking to an audience about his support for Ambode, Oba Akiolu was caught on video threatening anyone who voted against Akinwunmi Ambode.
He also said: “On Saturday, if anyone of you, I swear in the name of God, goes against my wish that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos state, the person is going to die inside this water.
Jimi is my blood relation, and I told him he can never be Governor in Lagos now! If you do what I want then Lagos will continue to be prosperous for you, if you go against this you will be banished to the water! Finished!
“He is going on a mission and God will give him the wisdom and knowledge to fulfill that mission. Almost a year ago, I declared that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos and it will not change.”
2. While expressing support for Akinwunmi Ambode
He was also recorded on video, issuing the threat above, which led to widespread controversy. His office later released an official statement saying:
” Oba Akiolu is the father of all irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion. In Lagos, we have an old traditional proverb that relates to the Lagoon. The Lagoon is unique to Lagos.
The proverb stresses the need for unity and understanding when you do business in an environment and in this case when you live and do business in Lagos. Oba Akiolu prays for peace for the land of Lagos and prosperity for all its inhabitants.”
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3. On Buhari’s military style
Oba Akiolu on Monday, August 15, while speaking at the unveiling of SunTrust bank in Lagos, said the above about Buhari’s government.
He advised President Muhammadu Buhari against approaching governance as a military man. According to Oba Akiolu, Buhari should realize that he is no longer a military man and be civil in his approach.
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4. Speaking on Jonathan
While speaking at the same event on Monday, he also said the above, about former president, Goodluck Jonathan. He concluded:
“All that happened was not totally his fault “But it is not too late to make amend. With Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as head of economic team, with people like Mrs. Nike Akande as the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and others, they (the federal government) should listen to advice from people in commercial sector of the economy.”
Oba Akiolu is surely a man not afraid to say his mind.
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