In a congratulatory statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the monarch, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, who clocks 80 on Sunday, October 29, as an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.
Extolling his good virtues, Sanwo-Olu noted that besides being an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service, the traditional ruler has lived an impactful and purposeful life.
The statement reads, “On behalf of my wife and family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on the auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday. It is with great delight that I join Oba Akiolu’s family, friends, associates and subjects to celebrate his 80th birthday.
“We celebrate Oba Akiolu for the impactful and purposeful life that he has lived, especially in the last 20 years of his reign as the Oba of Lagos. He is the epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.”
Recalling his time in the Nigeria Police Force, the governor said, “Oba Akiolu used his elevated positions in the Police to uplift the standards of life of the people he served. As an Assistant Inspector General of Police, he discharged his duties with the utmost professionalism, competence and dedication. He left the Nigerian Police in 2002 with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty He is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and community service.”
He added, “Since ascending the throne of his forefathers as Oba of Lagos in 2003, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has displayed exemplary leadership in Lagos. I salute his passion and commitment to the growth and development of Lagos State. Indeed, the people of Lagos are lucky to have a disciplinarian like Oba Akiolu as their paramount ruler. He is a visionary and vibrant monarch, who is always at the forefront of the fight for justice, equity and fairness for the people of Lagos, the Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
“As the Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Akiolu has used his wealth of experience and knowledge to contribute to the peace, progress and development of Lagos State. His commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage and history is unparalleled.
“As Oba Akiolu joins the Octogenarian Club, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bestow on him, good health, wisdom, knowledge and understanding for a continuous reign of peace, prosperity and love in Lagos. He will witness many more fruitful years on the throne of his forefathers for the continuous service to humanity, Lagos and our dear country, Nigeria.”
