The traditional head of state of Lagos is referred to as the Eleko of Eko or the Oba of Lagos. Although the Oba has little political influence, politicians who want to win over Lagos residents often consult or sponsor him.
In addition to performing other ceremonial duties, the Oba has appeared in tourism advertising for the city, frequently exhorting viewers to go to Lagos.
Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu serves as the current Oba of Lagos since 2003. This article deals with everything that you want to know about the current Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
Keeping the topic in mind, let’s take a deep dive into the history of Oba of Lagos and what its role was in the Nigerian City.
Oba Of Lagos: Everything To Know
Oba of Lagos is a term that refers to the traditional head of Lagos. All Obas of Lagos can be traced back to Ashipa, a war captain serving under the Oba of Benin. The Oba of Benin granted Ashipa permission to rule Lagos on his behalf and conferred upon him the title of War Leader.
On his voyage to Lagos, Ashipa was given a sword and a royal drum by the Oba of Benin as signs of his authority. The Oba of Benin also sent a squad of Benin officers to Lagos with the mission of protecting Benin’s interests.
The Oba of Benin had the undeniable right to the crown or confirm the person whom the people of Lagos elected as their King before the Britishers arrived. Lago’s historic loyalty to the Oba of Benin came to an end after Oba Kosoko was defeated by British forces in December 1851. This defeat is what is today known as the Bombardment of Lagos or Reduction of Lagos.
Therefore, Kosoko was the last Oba of Lagos to send the Oba of Benin a yearly tribute from the people of Lagos. The British restored Oba Akitoye to the throne, and he took advantage of his restoration under British protection to renounce his former allegiance to Benin. He then refused the request for tribute from the Oba of Benin in the following years.
The Palace is known as Iga Idunganran, which the Portuguese restored over a century, and has served as the king’s formal residence since 1630. The palace is a very popular tourist attraction today.
The tradition of the Oba of Lagos was founded by Ashipa but he was not crowned as the Oba of the city. Rilwan Akiolu is the current Oba of Lagos who started serving in the position in 2003.
Now let’s learn more about the current Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
Rilwan Akiolu: Early Life And Education
Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu popularly known as Rilwan Akiolu was born on October 29, 1943. He has served as the current Oba of Lagos since 2003. Before being named the 21st Oba of Lagos, Rilwan was a member of the Nigerian Police Force and attained the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
He studied law at the University of Lagos in Akoka. Rilwan attended Ansar-Ud-Deen College in Surulere, Lagos before enrolling at the University of Lagos.
Rilwan Akiolu: Career
Rilwan Akiolu joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1970 and served there for 32 years after graduating from high school. He worked in a variety of positions before retiring in 2002 after being promoted to Deputy inspector-general of Police in 1999.
He is a fellow of the Nigerian Law School as well as a member of the Nigerian management institute.
He was selected as the 21st Oba of Lagos in May 2003.
Rilwan Akiolu: As Oba Of Lagos
Rilwan Akiolu was chosen as the 21st Oba of Lagos by the kingmakers of the traditional kingdom of Lagos on May 23, 2003. The selection was confirmed by the Lagos State Government on May 24, 2003. In 2003, on August 9, he was crowned.
Rilwan Akiolu held the position of replacing the former Oba Adeyinka Oyekan. The crowning of Oba Akiolu has been opposed in court by the Lagos-based Akinsemoyin Royal family, who claim that their lineage has been excluded from the throne.
Rilwan Akiolu: Personal Life
Oba Rilwan has been married to four women and his first wife, Olori Talabi Titiola is the only one of them who is well-known. The information regarding Rilwan Akiolu’s children is unknown.
One of them is Moshood Akinolu, who serves as one of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives. Rilwan Akiolu is a devout Muslim.
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Rilwan Akiolu: Controversies
The Akinsemoyin Royal Family of Lagos filed a lawsuit after Oba Rilwan Akiolu was crowned, stating that they had been denied access to the throne.
Rilwan Akiolu appeared in a popular video in 2017 in which the Oba was seen allegedly ignoring the Ooni of life’s greeting at a gathering. He denied performing it.
In another controversy, Oba Rilwan Akiolu vowed his support for Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State during a meeting with the Igbo community in Lagos. He delivered a hate speech telling that if someone opposes Ambode, they will be killed by Oba within days.
It caused a lot of controversy on social media, and several individuals accused the king of instigating violence against the Igbo population and using hate speech.
Akiolu’s palace was raided by thugs looking for COVID-19 palliatives intended for the public during the EndSars rally in 2020. Thousands of bags of rice, Numerous boxes of noodles, and basic household supplies were the things found.
Akiolu stated that $2 million and $17 million were stolen along with the burning of buildings and vehicles months after the invasion of the palace. Since the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011 forbids retaining such large amounts of cash, this statement led to calls for his arrest and punishment by the EFCC.
The party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, didn’t pay a visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, during his campaign rally in the state on February 11, 2023. Dayo Ekong, the chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos claims that when Obi attempted to visit the Oba, he was sent away.
Obi revealed that they were informed that the Oba was unable to receive them.
Rilwan Akiolu: Net Worth
The current Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu is supposed to have an estimated net worth of $40 million. Akiolu is considered one of the wealthiest kings in Nigeria.
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