The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Rilwan Akiolu, at the weekend, marked 22 years on the throne of his forebearers in a low-key ceremony of prayers by religious groups.

Rather than throw elaborate parties to celebrate two decades and two years as the king of Lagos, Akiolu invited Christian and Muslim clerics to thank and pray to God for him, his subjects and the city.

Akiolu was selected by the kingmakers of the Lagos traditional kingdom on May 23, 2003. After he was confirmed by the Lagos State government as the 21st Oba of Lagos, he was crowned on August 9, 2003.

While the Christian clerics offered prayers in the morning, the Muslim clergy came in the afternoon to pray for the monarch at his palace. Speaking after the Muslim prayers, one of the sons of the king, Fuad Akiolu, said he was not surprised that his father did not organise an elaborate and flamboyant party to mark 22 years on the throne because he has always been like that.

He recalled that when his father was installed in 2003, he organised prayers, stating that he is a man who not only believes in prayers but also loves prayers.

He said: “We thank almighty Allah that he is 22 years on the throne. My prayer for him is to surpass the years that the immediate past king spent on the throne.”

We have both Christians and Muslims in the family. My father does not discriminate. He is a disciplinarian. He does not take nonsense and usually expresses himself because he does not hide his feelings. We are grateful to Allah for this 22nd anniversary.”