Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu
A Lagos indigenous group, Eyo Laba Ekun, Eyo Alakete Pupa has condemned the desecration and vandalization of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu by hoodlums that went on rampage in the aftermath of shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll gate on Tuesday October 20, 2020, saying the act of the hoodlums was abominable.
In a press release signed by its President, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, and Olori Eyo, Chief Kabiru Oshodi, the group lamented the looting of the palace.
Kemi Pinheiro SAN
It stated: “The Eyo Laba Ekun, Eyo Alakete Pupa of Lagos State reviewed in anger the footage revealing the unjustifiable invasion, desecration and vandalisation of the Royal Palace of the Oba of Lagos by hoodlums and certain ill-meaning persons who carried out the said act under the guise of the ordinarily well-intentioned #EndSARS protest by the Nigerian youths.
Whilst we, with all sense of responsibility, condemn the attack of peaceful and unharmed protesters and the attendant agonizing loss of innocent lives, we also condemn the hijack of the peaceful protest and destruction of public infrastructural facilities. We find the desecration of the Oba’s Palace abominable, sacrilegious and condemn same in the strongest terms.
The Throne and Palace of the Oba of Lagos, originally built in 1670AD, has been covetedly preserved for eons and has not only continued to be a symbol of Yoruba (Lagos) traditional authority but has also retained its pride in Yoruba heritage.
They commiserated with Oba Akiolu and thanked God for his safety.
“We commiserate with our royal father and monarch, His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, Akiolu I, as well as all traditional Rulers and Chiefs of Lagos, on this embarrassing incident and take solace in the fact that the Kabiyesi and his immediate family are well and safe.
We urge the Lagos State Government to not only investigate deeply into this reprehensible incident and bring the perpetrators to book but also help secure the remains and sanctity of the Palace and forestall future incidents.
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