Oba of Lagos Urges Sanwo-Olu to Strengthen Support for Traditional Rulers

Oba of Lagos Urges Sanwo-Olu to Strengthen Support for Traditional Rulers
Urges Lagos Govt to Provide Logistics for Traditional Rulers
Marks 23 Years on Throne

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has called on the Lagos State Government to provide stronger institutional and logistical support for traditional rulers, saying adequate backing would enable them to perform their responsibilities more effectively.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Akiolu made the call on Sunday during a prayer session at his palace on Lagos Island to mark the 23rd anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

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The monarch said traditional institutions had an important role to play in maintaining peace, promoting order and preserving the cultural heritage of Lagos, stressing the need for government to provide traditional rulers with the necessary support to discharge their duties.

He, however, expressed concern over the activities of some traditional rulers and chiefs whom he accused of engaging in land grabbing.

According to Akiolu, while the majority of traditional rulers in the state remained committed to maintaining peace and contributing to the development of their communities, some had allegedly abandoned their responsibilities and become involved in land grabbing.

“Majority of the traditional rulers and reasonable chiefs in this state always ensure that things go in order.

“But some of the incurably bad ones, for one reason or the other, best known to them, have chosen to turn themselves into land grabbers, which I didn’t like at all,” he said.

Akiolu urged the government to strengthen traditional institutions by providing the necessary logistical support for those occupying traditional offices.

“I have pleaded and advised the government that you upgrade all these people, give them the logistic support to hold that office,” he said.

The monarch suggested that inadequate institutional support could contribute to some traditional rulers engaging in activities such as land grabbing, which he described as unacceptable and contrary to responsible leadership.

“It was in the absence of that they resort to land grabbing, which is not in the best interest of any human behaviour,” he added.

Reflecting on his 23 years on the throne, Akiolu expressed gratitude to God for sustaining his reign and recalled his coronation 23 years ago at Enu Owa in Lagos.

He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, who was governor of Lagos State at the time of his coronation, and described his reign as one marked by “progress upon progress upon progress.”

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Akiolu further urged traditional rulers to exercise responsible leadership, consider the consequences of their actions and seek divine guidance in carrying out their responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, described Akiolu as a father figure and commended him for his discipline, compassion and commitment to preserving Lagos’ traditions and heritage.

Agoro said the monarch’s background as a former police officer had influenced his disciplined approach to leadership, while his knowledge of Lagos history had made him an important voice in the affairs of the state.

He also praised Akiolu for consistently advocating the preservation of Lagos’ traditional heritage, including his efforts to secure government recognition for Isese Day.

Agoro described the monarch as an institution in his own right, noting that his extensive knowledge of Lagos history had enabled him to recall historical events and details with remarkable accuracy.

He prayed for Akiolu to enjoy many more years in good health and happiness, expressing hope that the monarch would continue to celebrate his anniversary for many years.