The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Aremu Osuolale Akiolu, has urged Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper as key to checking the ongoing insecurity crisis in the country.

Akiolu stated this during a special prayer session to mark his 23rd coronation anniversary with prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The monarch, while speaking on insecurity across the country, urged Nigerians to remain united, prayerful and supportive of one another.

Oba Akiolu, who is also Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Lagos State, urged Nigerians to remain patient amid ongoing national reforms, expressing confidence that they would ultimately yield positive results for the country.

The monarch, a former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, reflected on his 32-year policing career, describing the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as one of the noblest professions when practised with integrity, discipline and fear of God.

He recounted how he rejected a N5 million bribe during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

According to him, the incident occurred when former Lagos State governor, the late Michael Otedola, was detained during the military era and needed assistance to secure the release of his international passport.

The monarch said he appealed to the authorities at the time, insisting that releasing the elder statesman was necessary as the military government was seeking wider public acceptance.

He said that after Otedola’s passport was eventually released, an emissary approached him with an offer of N5 million in appreciation, but he rejected the money.

Oba Akiolu, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Tinubu, expressing optimism that the government’s economic and infrastructural reforms would eventually benefit the nation.

He described his emergence as the Oba of Lagos as an act of divine destiny, recalling that despite opposition from some quarters, the President stood firmly behind him.

Akiolu expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life and family.

The monarch also charged journalists and public office holders to uphold truth, fairness and service to humanity, describing the media as a powerful institution capable of shaping society positively.

Meanwhile, Islamic clerics led by representatives of the Chief Imam of Lagos offered prayers for the monarch, thanking God for preserving his life and sustaining his reign over the past 23 years.