President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his long-time ally, friend, and confidant, His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos State, on his 80th birthday.
President Tinubu described the revered monarch as a fountain of wisdom, knowledge, and a staunch custodian of the rich culture and traditions of Lagos.
“Oba Akiolu and I have come a long way. He is my confidant. He is a dear friend. I hold him in high esteem for his integrity, honour, and forthrightness. He is always generous with his wise counsel and always willing to offer his fatherly guidance.
“Baba is a defender of the truth and his people. My achievements as Lagos State Governor are partly due to his support and counsel. His Majesty’s reign has brought peace, progress, and development to the good people of Lagos,” the President said in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President thanked the Eleko of Eko for his unceasing prayers and support, recalling his interventions over the years, even in trying times.
“Today, I celebrate an extraordinary monarch whose wit and foresight are peerless. May His Majesty live long, and may his reign on the throne of his fathers continue to be prosperous,” President Tinubu prayed.
Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Oba Akiolu on his 80th birthday, describing him as a visionary and vibrant monarch.
He said Oba Akiolu, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, who clocks 80 on Sunday, October 29, is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said Oba Akiolu has brought quality leadership to his subjects since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 2003.
He said, “On behalf of my wife and family, the government, and people of Lagos State, I congratulate the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on the auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday. It is with great delight that I join Oba Akiolu’s family, friends, associates and subjects to celebrate his 80th birthday.
“We celebrate Oba Akiolu for the impactful and purposeful life that he has lived, especially in the last 20 years of his reign as the Oba of Lagos. He is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.
“Oba Akiolu used his elevated positions in the Police to uplift the standards of life of the people he served. As an Assistant Inspector General of Police, he discharged his duties with the utmost professionalism, competence and dedication. He left the Nigerian Police in 2002 with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty He is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.
“Since ascending the throne of his forefathers as Oba of Lagos in 2003, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has displayed exemplary leadership in Lagos. I salute his passion and commitment to the growth and development of Lagos State. Indeed, the people of Lagos are lucky to have a disciplinarian like Oba Akiolu as their paramount ruler. He is a visionary and vibrant monarch, who is always at the forefront of the fight for justice, equity and fairness for the people of Lagos, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
“As the Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Akiolu has used his wealth of experience and knowledge to contribute to the peace, progress and development of Lagos State. His commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage and history is unparalleled.
“As Oba Akiolu joins the octogenarian club, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bestow on him good health, wisdom, knowledge and understanding for a continuous reign of peace, prosperity and love in Lagos. He will witness many more fruitful years on the throne of his forefathers for the continuous service to humanity, Lagos and our dear country, Nigeria.”
The Oba of Lagos is a monarch of many achievements.
He rose to the pinnacle of his professional career, retiring as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police. The Oba is a fellow of the Nigerian Law School.