Copyright tribuneonlineng
Says special status for Lagos is long overdue To celebrate his 82nd birthday and 22 years on the throne, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, hosted select journalists at his Iga Iduganran Palace, where he spoke on issues affecting the state, the traditional institution and other national matters. SUBAIR MOHAMMED was there. What are your thoughts on Donald Trump’s comments about Christian persecution in Nigeria? I tried to reach Trump because he was misinformed. In Nigeria, Christians and Muslims are one family. Violence affects both. His statement was divisive. During Jonathan’s administration, I advised him to recruit intelligent officers for better data gathering. I’m happy that Nuhu Ribadu is now NSA. He’s intelligent, trained and knows what’s happening in the country. How do you see Lagos today in terms of development and governance? Lagos is blessed. If you come here poor, your condition can change for the better. That’s why I keep advocating for Lagos to be granted special status. The pressure on infrastructure is enormous. I’ve written to the Attorney-General on this matter. In 1956, Oba Adeniji Adele wrote to the British Colonial Secretary about Lagos’ unique position. Giving Lagos a special status is long overdue; it is due for federal recognition. What’s your stand on urban renewal and the displacement of residents? There’s an urgent need for urban renewal, but I don’t support displacing my people. If redevelopment must happen, let the people return once the area is improved. Development should uplift, not displace. Recently, someone called himself the ‘Obi of Lagos.’ How did you respond? That was a criminal matter, not a chieftaincy issue. He wrote to me to intervene, but I told him it was for the law to handle. We respect every ethnic group, but there must be order and respect for tradition. What is your opinion of the Igbo community and their role in Lagos? The Igbos are hardworking, dedicated and supportive. However, their “I before others” attitude sometimes causes misunderstanding. Still, Lagos is home for all, and everyone must work together with honesty and respect. How would you describe your relationship with politicians, especially President Tinubu? I’m not a politician, but I always tell them that politicians don’t fight; they only disagree. God deliberately chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigeria. On May 23, 2003, the day I received my certificate of office, I told God that Tinubu would one day be president. He made Lagos proud and will complete his term by God’s grace. Everything in life has an end; only God gives longevity. What inspired your desire for leadership? From my youth, I always prayed to become a leader. Many people in life, especially politicians, aspire to be councillors, senators, governors and presidents. But my own request from Almighty Allah was to be a leader, and I am grateful that He answered my prayers. I knew I had to learn how to lead so as not to crumble. In Lagos and in Nigeria as a whole, our main problem is not lack of resources but the fact that we are too far away from God. Sycophancy, indiscipline and greed are destroying us. Greed is the root of all evil. How was Lagos governed traditionally? From inception, especially the entity we call Iga Idunganran, everything was under the control of Almighty Allah and the Oba of Lagos. The Oba is the second-in-command to the deity and governs alongside his chiefs. But nowadays, with the proliferation of Obas, we have about 30 in Lagos alone. Many of these positions came from elevating Baales to Obas. Once elevated, they become desperate to maintain their positions, leading to land disputes. I have written to the government several times about this. In the olden days, all markets in Lagos were directly under the Oba. Every five days, traders brought their dues to the palace. That system ensured order and accountability. You were once a police officer. How did that experience shape you? In the police force, I was known as “say it as you see it.” I never collected bribes in my 32 years of service. I believe in truth and honesty. The police taught me discipline, courage and fairness. My advice to officers today is: be honest, be close to God and avoid greed. What major lesson have you learnt on the throne? I’ve learnt to be very close to God, show no partiality and always speak the truth. If you have any ailment, avoid excessive thinking; it only makes you weaker. I have my challenges, but I manage them with faith. I always tell my chiefs to stay close to God and take care of their health and family. After six months on the throne, Jim Ovia offered me four Mercedes-Benz cars and a large sum of money. I refused both and asked instead for a Primary Health Centre for my people. That was what gave birth to the PHC at the palace. That’s the kind of legacy a leader should leave: service, not self-enrichment. What are your views on discipline and public service in Lagos? We must revive our sense of communal living. During my time in the police, discipline was key. I encourage local governments to bring back sanitary inspectors (wole wole) and improve public hygiene. With the huge allocations going to local governments now, they should invest in patrol vehicles and community policing — 60 percent at night and 40 percent in the day — to reduce crime. What’s your opinion on former President Obasanjo and his treatment of traditional rulers? Obasanjo is a highly intelligent man, but he doesn’t want anyone to surpass him. At meetings in Abuja, traditional rulers had to stand to greet him, even as a retired president. That’s just his military nature, regimental and commanding. We must understand that since August 6, 1861, the British Crown assumed authority over our Obas. That’s the reality we inherited. How do you assess President Tinubu’s government and his prospects for a second term? The future belongs to God. But let me say it plainly: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria. Tinubu is compassionate and visionary. Who would have believed he’d become president? He presented his certificate to me first after winning. Lagosians and Nigerians should support him to fulfil God’s purpose for the country. What message do you have for Nigerians? Be honest, sincere and think well of everyone. Don’t look down on others. Plan your future, avoid greed and stay close to God. Nigeria is a great country and will be greater, by the grace of Almighty Allah.
