The paramount ruler of Lagos, the Olowo of Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has called on the federal government to allow the Obas make their contributions to national issues. Speaking at the 80th birthday of Awujale of Ijebuland, the Oba of Lagos said with the current saga in the country, it will be better if the government allows the Obas to take decisive steps in addressing the issue. This and many more he said in this interview. Read on…
You must be very close to the Awujale for you to have come here personally to grace this occasion, how will you describe him at 80?
Awujale is one of the traditional rulers in this country that has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Obas in this country are given priority. He is one of the Obas I was looking unto before I became Oba, he has been able to redefine the office of this traditional rulers to be more important when it comes to decision or policy making in the country though he came on board as a youth 54 years ago. So, you can see that he has more experience and knows what is good for the country at a specific time. Oba Sikiru Adetona is a leader per excellence. Baba Awujale is an asset to the Yoruba race and I wish him well, I believe he is still much around and by the time he gets to 90 years, we will also be around to celebrate him.
You are close to him, can you say he is fulfilled at 80?
He is more than fulfilled, he has been on the throne for 54 years. What else do we want from him?. I know one of his obligations is to see that Ijebu State is created in his life time. We pray that it will happen, but I know he is a fulfilled man at 80.
You recently drummed support for Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State, why?
Within these few days, lots of people have asked me this, but do you know he came to me and told me his ambition and I prayed for him. He invited me to a programme, what do you expect me to say, to say he cannot become the governor? He has that right to vie for any political position; besides he has done well and deserves the seat of a governor. So, if you come to the palace and tell me your ambition, and you are from Lagos State, I will support you but it is left for you to work in that direction.