- Oba of Lagos Faults Trump’s Claim of Christian Killings in Nigeria
- Akiolu appealed to international leaders to verify information before issuing official statements
- Says criminal activities and terrorism in parts of the country were not directed at any particular religion
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has faulted United States President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians are being killed in Nigeria, describing the comment as incorrect and capable of creating unnecessary tension.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Oba Akiolu said the statement misrepresented Nigeria’s reality and unfairly portrayed the nation before the international community.
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Speaking on Sunday at his palace in Lagos after marking his 82nd birthday, the monarch said Nigerians of different faiths had coexisted peacefully for decades, sharing communities, celebrations, and challenges that strengthened national unity despite occasional security issues.
He explained that criminal activities and terrorism in parts of the country were not directed at any particular religion but were acts committed by misguided individuals and groups.
Akiolu appealed to international leaders to verify information before issuing official statements, noting that careless comments could damage Nigeria’s global image.
He stressed that national unity remained essential, warning that Nigeria could not afford internal division at a time of economic and security reforms.
The Oba urged citizens to maintain peaceful coexistence and resist attempts to use religion, ethnicity, or politics to create conflict.
He also renewed his longstanding call for Lagos to be granted special recognition because of its population size and central role in Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, Lagos has served as an economic powerhouse since the colonial era and continues to bear national responsibilities that warrant federal support.
The monarch encouraged ongoing urban renewal efforts on Lagos Island but cautioned against displacing original residents in the process.
He expressed concern over the growing decline in sanitation across Lagos State and called for a return to regular house-to-house environmental inspections.
Akiolu noted that such practices existed in the past and helped promote discipline, hygiene, and civic responsibility among residents.
He further advised political office holders to shun greed and misuse of public funds, warning that they would answer to God and future generations.
The traditional ruler emphasised that honesty, discipline, transparency, and accountability were necessary virtues for national progress.
He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying signs of the Renewed Hope Agenda were beginning to emerge.
Akiolu also expressed optimism that future generations would uphold values of kindness, integrity, truthfulness, and fairness, which he described as central to leadership and humanity.
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