Rilwan Akiolu
Quick Facts
Biography
Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu (born 29 October 1943) is the incumbent traditional Oba of Lagos.
Early life and education
He attended Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Surulere, Lagos (1961-1965) and studied Law at the University of Lagos (Akoka campus), receiving his Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B).
Career
After high school he served for 32 years in the Nigeria Police Force, entering the force in 1970, He served in various capacities, was promoted to assistant inspector-general of Police in 1999, and was active until his retirement in 2002. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a fellow of the Nigerian Law School.
Coronation
On May 23, 2003, Akiolu was selected by the kingmakers of the Lagos traditional kingdom and confirmed by the Lagos State government as the 21st Oba of Lagos; he was capped the next day, and was crowned on August 9, 2003. He has served in this position since May 2003, when he succeeded Oba Adeyinka Oyekan.
Controversy
Akiolu courted controversy when in April 2015 in a meeting with Igbo leaders in Lagos he publicly swore "by the grace of Almighty Allah, that any of the Igbo representatives who went against his will that Ambode insha'Allah would be the next governor of Lagos, the person is going to die inside this water".