22nd September, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has promised to expose the corrupt monarchs who were bribed by the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, to assist him to remain in power.
The monarch, who was a former Commissioner of Police, revealed that he has their names and knows the role of every monarch, especially, the Yoruba monarchs during the late dictator’s regime.
Oba Akiolu vowed to expose the corrupt monarchs after the 2015 general elections.
The monarch stated this in Ijebu Ode during the royal visit of the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammed Sanusi II to the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland,Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The Emir, who had earlier visited the Oba of Lagos on Saturday at his Iga Idunganran palace in Lagos, was among the entourage of the Emir to Ijebu Ode in continuation of Sanusi’s visit to the southwest.
Oba Akiolu said: “Awujale is not one of the corrupt monarchs. When the time comes, I will expose those monarchs who were then given money as bribe in order to aid the former Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha, to remain in power.
“I was a Commissioner of Police then in Lagos. I was in the meeting when the money was shared among the monarchs. I know those that collected it. I was given the share of Awujale to send it across to him, but I told them right there that he will never collect the money and truly, when he was approached, he rejected it out rightly.
“There are some monarchs that I personally took their own share to and they collected it from me. I have their names and when the time comes, I will expose them. I am not afraid of anybody, they are corrupt and those are some of the bad eggs in the traditional institution. These are the people, you (Emir of Kano) should be very careful of associating with,” Akiolu stated.
The Oba of Lagos also advised the emir not to look down on his subjects, as they are the main source of his traditional power.
Many of those who spoke with our correspondent on the importance of the visit expressed satisfaction, adding that it will bond the tie between the two tribes (Hausa and Yoruba) and as well extend to other ethnic or religious affiliations in the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, Oba Sikiru Adetona applauded the contributions of the emir to the economy of the country as the then governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, congratualted the two distinguished monarchs and described them as the shining light in the traditional institution in the country.
Amosun charged the monarchs to continue supporting the government in their various domains, adding that, being the custodians of both the traditional and heritage status, the onus lies on them to play a very good advisory role to all governments at all tiers.
“It was a royal visit and I want to congratulate the two revered monarchs. Both of them are a shining light in this country and I wish to associate with them. They should not shy away from their responsibility of playing advisory role to the government and politicians, as they remain in office till death while politicians are there for a period of time,” Amosun said.