The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, has urged the Lagos State government to provide appropriate logistics to upgrade monarchs so that they would not engage in land-grabbing activities.

Akiolu, while speaking yesterday shortly after prayers by Islamic clerics to mark his 23rd anniversary on the throne, thanked God for the journey so far on the throne, stating that while majority of the traditional rulers and reasonable chiefs in the state always ensure that things go in order, some incurably bad ones, for one reason or the other best known to them, have chosen to turn themselves into land grabbing.

He said: “I didn’t like it at all. And I have pleaded and advised the government that when you upgrade all these people, give them the logistic support to hold that office. It was in the absence of that they resort to land grabbing, which is not in the best interest of any human behaviour.”

“I thank God that today is exactly 23 years ago when the late Tajudeen Gbadamosi placed the crown on me at the traditional place, Enu Owa, in Lagos.

“And since then, it has been progress from the God Almighty. It was made possible by the blessing of God Almighty and the support of our now President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was at that time the governor of Lagos State,” he said.

Akiolu said that he relied on God for direction and wisdom through prayer.

Meanwhile, one of the guests at the event, Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, described the monarch as a father to all, who is very compassionate and generous.

According to him, Oba Akiolu appreciates culture, which is why he sometimes writes to the state government demanding a public holiday to mark Isese Day.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Primero Transport Services, Fola Tinubu, described the monarch as a father who cares for many.

He praised him for the wisdom with which he had managed the throne and the affairs of Lagos.

Tinubu added that Akiolu is committed to the development of Lagos, which is why he usually works to ensure things go well and promotes initiatives and efforts that will further drive the state’s development.