The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, has called on monarchs and community leaders across the country to live exemplary lives anchored in spirituality, discipline and honesty, saying their relevance in governance depends largely on the quality of leadership they provide.
The traditional ruler spoke at his Iga Idunganran Palace during a ceremony marking the presentation of instruments of office to five newly installed white-cap chiefs and the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on prominent Lagosians.
Speaking with journalists after the traditional rites, Oba Akiolu addressed concerns about the role of traditional institutions in governance, urging leaders to be God-fearing and to raise their children in line with sound moral and religious values.
According to him, traditional rulers must be firm, principled and uncompromising on issues of discipline, while also ensuring that their communities remain clean and orderly.
He also advocated the reintroduction of a community-based enforcement system once known as “giwa-giwa,” a traditional structure previously used to monitor neighbourhoods and guide children found loitering.
“We had giwa-giwa in those days. They went round the communities, brought children back home and ensured order. We need to return to those old systems so that all will be well,” the monarch said.
Responding to questions on whether monarchs are being sidelined in governance, Oba Akiolu stressed that leadership positions are not automatic but must be earned through integrity and sincerity.
“In sociology, there is what we call individual differences. Some leaders show good leadership, others do not. Some, not all, are incurably bad. But those who are good must be shining examples,” he stated.
The Oba added that traditional rulers must have the courage to speak truthfully to government rather than merely echoing what political leaders want to hear.
“As leaders, we are supposed to guide the government honestly. Telling the truth and telling what the government wants to hear are two different things,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of humility and continuous learning among leaders.
“I have no monopoly of knowledge. One must learn from those who know,” he added.
The monarch concluded that sincerity, prayerfulness and honesty remain essential to effective leadership, urging Nigerians to continue praying for those in authority.
“If leaders are close to God and absolutely honest, they will not have problems. As a nation, we must have patience and pray for our leaders and, by the grace of God Almighty, all will be well,” he said.
Those installed as white-cap chiefs include Architect Gbolahan Oki as Ogboni Iduntafa of Lagos; Chief Ajibade Nosiru-Ayeni as Eletu Odibo; Chief Adebola Olalekan Dosunmu as Olorogun Adodo; Chief Yusuf Jinadu Bajulu as Bajulu; Chief Razak Onimole as Onimole; and Chief Lookman Oluwa as Onisemo of Lagos.
Among those conferred with chieftaincy titles are Dr. Olumide Olayinka, Aare Atunluto; Chief Olumuyiwa Olorode and his wife, Olufunke, Olootu and Yeye Abiye; Chief Tajudeen Okoya and his wife, Rasheedat Olamide, Otun Aare and Yeye Otun Aare; and Chief Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, Otun Iyalode.