Tinubu Will Serve Eight Years as President — Oba of Lagos

The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will serve two full terms in office, citing a dream he said signified the President’s re-election and an eight-year tenure.

The monarch spoke on Wednesday while receiving the 46th Flag Officer Commanding of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, who paid him a courtesy visit at the palace.

Oba Akiolu appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the Tinubu administration, noting that the current economic challenges were part of broader reforms that would ultimately yield positive results for the country.

He described the prevailing hardships as necessary sacrifices for long-term national development.

“I dreamt that President Tinubu would be re-elected and complete eight years as President of Nigeria.

“There is no doubt that the country is facing challenges, but we will overcome them. The hardship we see today is a sacrifice for a better future,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler stressed that the responsibility of securing and rebuilding Nigeria should not be left to the government alone, but must involve the collective efforts of all citizens.

He also commended officers and men of the Nigerian Navy for their dedication and professionalism in safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Lagos, Oba Akiolu said the state’s security was critical to national stability and urged sustained support for naval operations.

He further called for the establishment of a joint intelligence board to enhance cooperation and intelligence sharing among security agencies.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha said the visit was to seek the support of the traditional institution, noting that monarchs play a vital role in promoting peace and security at the grassroots level.

He described Lagos as strategically important to the Navy, revealing that over 70 per cent of goods imported into Nigeria pass through the state, in addition to its vast and sensitive waterways.

Mustapha also recalled a previous encounter with the Oba of Lagos, during which the monarch advised him to plan early for retirement, a counsel he said had a positive impact on his career.