Oba of Lagos, his people and #EndSARS

Blessing Enenaite Leading Stories, Politics 08/11/2020

The #EndSARS protests which went on for about two weeks were an eye opener for many Nigerian youths.

Under the scorching sun, they raised placards bearing inscriptions calling for an end to bad governance with hashtags such as #EndPoliceBrutality and #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria.

The maltreatment from the Nigeria Police Force could not deter them nor could the rainfall reduce their momentum.

The injuries some of them sustained from attacks by hoodlums were no match for their desire to see the emergence of a new Nigeria.

The government’s attempts to identify a leader for the protest were futile. This led to a desperate attempt to put an end to the hitherto peaceful protests. In one accord, the patriotic and peaceful protesters would scream, “We are all leaders, address us together!’’

Some tagged the protests a ‘poverty alleviation scheme’. And this is because a few of the attendees had a particular interest in the welfare packages distributed at protest grounds.

The physical protests came to an abrupt end and hoodlums immediately found an avenue to shine. In their state of desperation, oiled by depravity and anger, they looked for a means to cause maximum mayhem.

In their words, they are only “going to possess our possessions; whatever belongs to the government or government officials belongs to us as well”. And whatever they cannot possess, they destroy.

The Oba of Lagos becomes a target

The Oba of Lagos – Rilwan Aremu Akiolu – is the king and traditional ruler of Lagos. In the aftermath of the Lekki toll gate massacre, his palace at Iga Idugaran on Lagos Island was invaded and desecrated.

The invaders carted away food items, shoes, clothes and valuables. Some of them went as far as destroying the king’s properties.

But the most significant of all is that they made away with the royal staff. And there are reports that it has been put up for sale.

In a show of utter defiance on the very next day, some more invaders stormed the palace to use the swimming pool. They even had the audacity to post videos of themselves having fun at the palace.

Read Also: 6 Types of people in the #EndSARS protest

The Oba of Lagos states that he bought the stolen food items with his personal money. However, the invaders argue that the items weren’t bought because they are labeled ‘COVID-19 palliatives’.

The invaders reiterated that “anything from the government is for the citizens” and the Oba does not have a right to keep them.

Oba of Lagos (Source: Oba Rilwan Akiolu)

These actions by the invaders have been condemned in various quarters. It is a defilement of the throne and an absolute disregard for the tradition of the land.

HRH Erelu Kuti IV speaks

Her Royal Highness, Abiola Dosunmu Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos has been vocal about her displeasure with the actions of the invaders.

In an interview with Arise TV, she stated that these people are not all hoodlums as tagged; some of them are educated. But that their actions show the extent of hunger and discontent in the land.

Despite the fact that these people live among their rulers, they are deprived of basic amenities. It is regrettable that even though they live in the midst of plenty, yet they have nothing.

Erelu Dosunmu Kuti admonished leaders at all levels to be more empathetic and give the people optimum attention.

Speaking as a mother, she was positive that the one who stole the staff will receive good counsel. And would in turn, return the staff willingly and ask for forgiveness.

Yes, the people have been pushed to the wall for too long. Their cries do not appear to get to the ears of those in the corridors of power.

Historically, the traditional leaders are the liaison between the people and central government. When deeply rooted issues are left to fester, then rebellion is inevitable. But this is no excuse for criminal behaviour.

The invasion of the Oba’s palace and the subsequent theft of the royal staff is an abomination. Culture and tradition should be respected. However, the message of the audacity of the miscreants must not be lost in translation.