How I rejected ₦5m bribe during Abacha era – Oba Akiolu

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu has revealed how he rejected a ₦5 million bribe during the military regime of late General Sani Abacha, saying integrity, discipline and fear of God remained the foundation of true leadership and public service.

The Lagos monarch made the disclosure on Saturday while marking his 23rd coronation anniversary at the Iga Idunganran Palace in Lagos, where special prayers were also offered for Nigeria and Bola Tinubu.

Oba Akiolu, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, recalled that the incident occurred during the detention of former Lagos governor, the late Sir Michael Otedola, under the Abacha military government.

According to the monarch, he had intervened and appealed to authorities at the time to facilitate the release of Otedola’s international passport, arguing that the military administration needed broader public acceptance.

He explained that after the passport was eventually released, an emissary approached him with an offer of ₦5 million as appreciation, but he turned it down.

“It is not because of money. Anything anybody is doing, do it with the fear of God and pray to God,” the monarch said.

Reflecting on his 32-year career in the Nigeria Police Force, Oba Akiolu described policing as one of the noblest professions when carried out with honesty and integrity.

The monarch also used the occasion to urge Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence that the economic and infrastructural reforms being implemented by the Federal Government would eventually produce positive outcomes.

“The journey may be rough, but they will succeed because God Almighty has a way of doing things,” he said.

Oba Akiolu praised Tinubu’s long-term developmental vision, particularly major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto road corridor, which he said had been conceived many years ago.

Speaking on his ascension to the Lagos throne in 2003, the monarch described his emergence as divine destiny, recalling that Tinubu stood firmly behind him despite opposition from some quarters.

“It pleased God Almighty Allah to single me out. Not that I was the only qualified person, but it was the wish of God,” he stated.

The traditional ruler further disclosed that after receiving confirmation of his appointment on May 23, 2003, he prayed for Tinubu’s political rise and eventual emergence as Nigeria’s president.

“God Almighty Allah revealed to me that he would grow gradually and become the president of this country,” he added.

Oba Akiolu also called on Nigerians to remain united and prayerful in the face of insecurity and economic challenges confronting the nation.

“The insecurity we are experiencing now, God Almighty Allah will bring it under control. We must all be our brother’s keeper,” he said.

He further urged journalists and public office holders to uphold truth, fairness and service to humanity, describing the media as a powerful institution capable of shaping society positively.

The anniversary event featured special prayers led by Islamic clerics, including representatives of the Chief Imam of Lagos, who thanked God for preserving the monarch and sustaining his reign over the past 23 years.