In a world replete with lies, materialism, avidity, lack of integrity and where deceit reign supreme, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos is indeed an exceptional blue blooded Lagosian. For those who know him closely, as I do and all those who treasure the truth, integrity and forthrightness, there is no drum too big to beat, no kakkaki too symphonic to blow and no festivity too flamboyant to celebrate this great prince of the Lagos Royal dynasty. In thoughts, composure and intellectual pedigree,in deed,

Oba Akiolu seems to be tailor- made for the throne.

His boldness and frankness are legendary as he would, when there is need for it, antagonise a serving president, chide a fellow king and scold the pauper. In this regard, there are several instances that could be cited some of which would make an observer of his frankness shift uncomfortably on the seat. There is no doubt that the man feels comfortable only in the midst of decent, truthful and honorable people. He is unrelenting , firm and unrepentantly loyal to a fault in whatever he believes-in. He has zero tolerance for mediocrity.

More importantly, Oba Akiolu is a devout Muslim who often copiously quote the conent of the Holy Quran with ease and to the best of my knowledge, he submits willingly and unconditionally to the supremacy and grandeur of Almighty Allah. Hence, his slogan “ Olorun ni kan ni Kabiyesi” ( meaning, only God is supreme and unquestionable ). A reply that he would instantly give to you whenever you pay obeisance to his exalted office by calling him ‘Kabiyesi’.

The above superlative description of Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu are just and deserving because he is certainly a special breed in the cohort of Oba’s in this country. He is a man that the Hausa will simply describe as ‘Mai Gaskiya’.

He is a philanthropist to the core as he gives and shares his wealth with the underpriviledged without complaint. His interventions in the life of the Nigerians, in terms of skill acquisition programmes benefits immensely thousands of youths, scholarship to indigent students, distribution of motorcycle and tricycle to the unemployed, the building of the Iga Idungaran Health center and securing of employment for many young men and women in big corporate organisations are testimonies to his love for the people.

The payment of salaries and stipends to some members of the Royal families are clear confirmation of his large heart and philanthropic gesture. In many instances, the medical bills of the sick and the infirm both within and outside the shores of our country have been settled by Oba Akiolu.

Contrary to the image politically designed and crafted by his detractors who are bent on negatively remodelling his good image to the general public, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Aremu Akioul is a completely detribalized Nigerian.

This is not unexpected judging by his exposure to the multi culture and plurality of the Nigerian nation as a police officer who had served meritoriously in many parts of our country for over thirty-two years before his retirement. It is instructive to note that his doors are wide open to all and sundry irrespective of ethnicity, race, creed, religion or social stratification.

Selected by the Kingmakers of Iga Idungaran to succeed Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II on 23rd May 2003, Oba Rilwan Akiolu was crowned as the 21st Oba of Lagos on August 9, 2003. His reign has witnessed a lot of positive transformation and development not only in the palace but in its neighborhoods and environ.

He is indeed a lover of people and by my assessment he is God fearing.

As earlier mentioned, Oba Akiolu is always unwavering to any cause he believes. Once he supports you and trusts you, he remains undaunted and stands by you like the” Rock of Gilbratar”. In addition to all these, he is unrelenting in the promotion of Lagos cultural values and norms.

One key characteristic in him that usually bothers my mind is his nostredamus tendencies. In many situations he has predicted the possible outcomes of events long before their final outcome . A cursory observer may notice that the traditional powers that is common amongst the Yoruba Oba’s resides in Iga Idungaran Palace and Oba Akiolu may be a beneficiary of this great endowment.For a regular visitor to the palace, his prowess in ‘ase’ may not go unnoticed. It is on record that during his installation ceremony, the Oba predicted that his long term friend and ally Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the then Governor of Lagos State,would eventually become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He had repeated this to me several times long before Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu took up the gantlet to vie for the summit position in the country. A prediction that has come to pass.

Born on October 29, 1943 to Prince AmoduTijani Akiolu, a descendant of Ologunkutere, Oba Rilwan Aremu Osuolale Akiolu became an orphan very early in his tenage years but with resilience fortitude, determination and focus, he rose to the apex of the Nigerian Police Force as an Assistant Inspector General of Police, a position he justified with deftness and sheer competence. He was crowned the Oba of Lagos on August 9, 2003 and has conducted his Royal duties with clarity of mind, purposeful leadership and fear of God.

As we celebrate this great son of Lagos, we pray to Almighty God to add more to his years, in good health and abundant blessings and grace.

Omo Kutere ajaloogun, Igba Odun, Odun kan ni o.

Ki Ade pe l’ori,
Ki bata ki o pe l’ese
Ki Ase pe l’enu
Ki iru Kere di Okinni,
Blessings all the way…….. Kaaaabiyeeesiii oooo..