I knew Shonekan’s govt wouldn’t last

• Oba Akiolu reveals encounter with late Head of State

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has recounted an encounter with the late Chief Ernest Shonekan during the Interim National Government that followed the annulled June 12, 1993 election.

The retired Assistant Inspector General of Police said:

“I told him plainly that the election which produced Chief MKO Abiola was a protest against military rule. I warned that the interim government would not last, and shortly after, General Sani Abacha took over.”

Speaking during a media parley at his Iga Idunganran Palace to commemorate his 82nd birthday and 22 years on the throne, the monarch reflected on his years of public service: “I served 32 years in the Nigeria Police Force without ever taking a bribe. I will always stand by the truth, no matter who is involved.”

He decried the rising tide of indiscipline, greed, and sycophancy in Nigeria: “Our major problem in Lagos and across Nigeria is that we have drifted too far from God. Sycophancy, indiscipline, and greed remain our greatest enemies. Greed, in particular, is the root of all evil.”

The monarch urged both leaders and citizens to return to the values of honesty, discipline, and accountability, stressing that good governance must be anchored on integrity and service to the people:

“Leaders must prioritise the welfare of citizens above personal interests and learn to think positively about others without looking down on anyone. Let us all embrace sincerity of purpose and a clear sense of direction.”

Oba Akiolu also faulted U.S. President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), describing the move as one based on unverified intelligence. He warned that such actions by global powers could have far-reaching consequences for a nation’s reputation and diplomatic relations:

“The report used by the U.S. president was not properly verified and does not represent the reality in Nigeria. World leaders must ensure that intelligence reports are thoroughly verified before making pronouncements that could damage a nation’s image.”

The Trump administration had designated Nigeria a CPC over alleged acts of religious persecution against Christians, a move that sparked mixed reactions among religious and political leaders. He, however, maintained that Nigeria’s complex social and religious dynamics were misrepresented, calling the decision ill-informed and unjustified.

Turning to development issues in Lagos, the monarch urged the government to pursue urban renewal projects that respect ancestral heritage and protect residents’ rights: “If people are relocated for developmental purposes, they should be allowed to return to their communities once renewal projects are completed.”

He also lamented the gradual erosion of communal values in Lagos, noting that the city once thrived on a strong sense of unity and mutual care among its residents: “We have lost our sense of communal living where relatives genuinely cared for one another. That should not be the case.”

Despite his concerns about national challenges, Oba Akiolu expressed unwavering optimism about Nigeria’s future, insisting that the country’s potential remains immense: “Nigeria is a great country and, by the grace of Almighty Allah, it will be greater.”