The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II; and his Lagos counterpart, HRH Oba Rilwan Akiolu, have ignited feverish social media debates as a result of their comments on national issues and the status of Lagos State.
The Ewuare II, during a courtesy call on the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had said that Bola Tinubu’s presidency was ordained by God, urging all Nigerians to rally behind the administration and foster a harmonious coexistence.
During the courtesy visit to Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina, the Oba of Benin described Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential poll as “a manifestation of divine will,” stating that it was the collective responsibility of Nigerians to support him in realizing the vision for a greater Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence for sustainable development, urging Nigerians to embrace diversity and live together in unity.
“God has ordained that Tinubu would become President of Nigeria. We are all one. I am for peace and tranquility. We must live together as one. Nigeria is big, we must iron out our differences and learn to live together as one, big family,” he said.
Congratulating Governor Sanwo-Olu on his reelection, the monarch commended his giant strides in Lagos; encouraging him to strive for greater heights in his second term.
The monarch also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the promotion of culture and tradition.
In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos state would continue to be home to everyone irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.
Acknowledging the Oba of Benin’s contribution to cultural preservation, the Governor praised the traditional ruler’s respect across the nation.
Conveying President Tinubu’s greetings, Sanwo-Olu urged the Oba to continue supporting the Federal Government to ensure that citizens benefit from dividends of democracy, which according to him, are becoming evident in the third quarter of the year with a rise in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“On behalf of Mr. President, we want to thank you for your fatherly role; for your prayers and best wishes to the government and I am sure he will not disappoint you.” Sanwo-Olu assured.
Meanwhile, in a video clip by the Channels TV, Oba of Lagos, HRH Oba Rilwan Akiolu said, “The first Oba of Lagos is a main descendant of oba of Benin.”
These comments by the two Obas have generated various reactions on X [formerly Twitter]. See some of the reactions:
Benin did not originate Lagos or Eko…
In 1967, Gowon created Lagos State (covering an area of 3,300km²) by separating more than 95% of what makes up Lagos today from the western region provinces.
The Oba of Lagos is not the ruler of Lagos State… he holds the title of Eleko…
— {MĪSS Ĥ♡ŔƐY} (@HONEYEDCROWN) November 27, 2023
The first Oba of Lagos was Oba Ado, who ascended to the throne in the early 17th century.
He played a significant role in the establishment and consolidation of the Kingdom of Lagos, which was a key center for trade and commerce along the West African coast.
Oba Ado’s…
— Summarize (@summarizest) November 27, 2023
So all this ‘Lagos belongs to Yorubas’ was all a lie all along? And they even knew it. Where’s Bayo Onanuga? Where’s FFK? So you unleashed violence of terror!st proportions over a land that doesn’t even belong to you? Wow 😮
— Balatic (PO=Comp+Integrity+Equity) (@Balatic) November 27, 2023
Edo and Lagosians supposed to be sharing the leadership of the state
— King Egwu (@EgwuChineduKin1) November 27, 2023
Concerning the Oba of Benin’s position on Tinubu presidency, Twiterrati say:
He has a point. After all, His Royal Majesty is a god of the land pic.twitter.com/rs08Hwz5if
— THIS BoY (@tof_authentic) November 27, 2023
Na only God knows wetin his name ‘eyes’ don ‘see’ for human being hand .
— MIDO ⚡ (@midonations) November 27, 2023
Oba done turn Prophet🤣🤣
— Agent Lucci🎀❤😌 (@VoltFromKrypton) November 27, 2023
Ordained by God ? Hmm
— Onyia Chukwuemeka Godson (@godsonralphson) November 27, 2023
We shouldn’t joke with God…
— Da’ahn🔯 (@daniel_ezuma) November 27, 2023
As the conversations degenerated to name-calling, others urged caution:
Oba of Benin is 70. Oba of Lagos is 80. There are certain things you wouldn’t say to your 70 years old father or 80 years old grandfather. Please control your emotions, moderate your language and disagree in a civil manner. It’s the right thing to do.
— Dr Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) November 27, 2023
