The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has ruled out the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ever becoming Nigeria’s president.
Speaking with a selected journalists at his Iga Iduganran Palace during a media session to mark his 82nd birthday and 22 years on the throne, the monarch stated that destiny would not favour Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election and has made several attempts to occupy the nation’s highest office.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s rise to power was divinely ordained and urged Nigerians to support him in achieving his vision for the country.
“The future belongs to God. But let me say it plainly: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria. Tinubu is compassionate and visionary. Who would have believed he’d become president? He presented his certificate to me first after winning. Lagosians and Nigerians should support him to fulfil God’s purpose for the country.”
Reflecting on his relationship with the president, he recalled predicting Tinubu’s eventual emergence as president shortly after becoming Oba in 2003, expressing confidence that the president would complete his tenure successfully.
He said, “I’m not a politician, but I always tell them that politicians don’t fight; they only disagree. God deliberately chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigeria. On May 23, 2003, the day I received my certificate of office, I told God that Tinubu would one day be president. He made Lagos proud and will complete his term by God’s grace. Everything in life has an end; only God gives longevity.”
On the development of Lagos, Akiolu said the state remains a land of opportunity but continues to experience enormous infrastructural strain.
He renewed his long-standing call for Lagos to be granted special status, emphasising that the city’s economic importance and unique position warrant federal recognition.
“Lagos is blessed. If you come here poor, your condition can change for the better. That’s why I keep advocating for Lagos to be granted special status. The pressure on infrastructure is enormous. I’ve written to the Attorney-General on this matter. In 1956, Oba Adeniji Adele wrote to the British Colonial Secretary about Lagos’ unique position. Giving Lagos a special status is long overdue; it is due for federal recognition.”
