The Olowo Eko and the paramount ruler of Eko, HRM Oba Osu-Olale Akiolu is 70 years old. He marked his birthday with special prayer and some dignitaries gathered in his palace to honour him. Top Celebrities Magazine crew was at his palace. Read on…
Tell us about life at 70 and how has it been so far?
I thank the Almighty God for making me see this year. I am very happy, lots of my peers are gone but for God to spare my life, I thank Him. I also thank all those who have come from near and far to celebrate with me, God will bless you all.
We can say you are a fulfilled man at 70?
Yes, I am fulfilled, I have served at various capacities as a police officer, all my children have good education, I have grand children, my loved ones are all over. I am fulfilled.
You gave some people chieftaincy title as part of your 70th year celebration including the daughter of APC leader, Folashade Ojo. What are the criteria for those honours?
Yes, I know you must ask me, you must have contributed in no small measure to the development of the land, so on Folashade Tinubu Ojo, which you are more concerned about; we honour her because she is the person that the cap fits the most. Aside her father’s involvement in sustaining democracy in Nigeria, Folashade has been a very vital hand in the office of the Iyaloja. When Alhaja Mogaji was alive; Shade was in charge of the affairs, she is the best person for the job; that is why we gave it to her.
Kabiyesi, the issue of corruption is rampant among our politicians, what can be done to stop this?
I am not a politician but a royal father; we have continued to give them advice but they turned deaf ears to our advice. I think Nigerians should rise up and say no to corrupt leaders, they have the power to say no if they refused to vote for corrupt people to be in power. Take a look at Governor Fashola’s government; he did not tolerate nonsense, so if they can borrow from that, the country will be better.