Oba Akiolu: Atiku Will Never Be Nigeria’s President

Rain hammered Lagos that afternoon. Thunder rolled over the palace. Inside Iga Iduganran, though? Silence. Ears strained. Pen poised. The Oba of Lagos – 82, eyes sharp as new tape – faced reporters. Not just any session. 22 years on the throne. That’s a lot of stories.

And then, he dropped a headline. Clear as a bell. No fences sat on.

“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria.”

He leaned forward. “The future belongs to God,” he said. “But let me say it plainly. Tinubu is compassionate. Visionary. Who’d have believed he’d become president? Lagosians, Nigerians – support him! Fulfill God’s purpose.”

Atiku’s been running for years. PDP candidate in ’23. Tried before. Never made it. Akiolu? Destiny won’t favour him, he says. Just straight facts. Destiny favours Tinubu.

Tinubu? God’s Man
Ever heard a king predict the future? Akiolu’s done it. “I told God back in 2003,” he recalled, chuckles rumbling in his chest. “Tinubu’d be president someday.” He saw theCertificate. Kissed it. A moment? It felt like prophecy fulfilled. Tinubu made Lagos proud. And he’ll finish this term – “by God’s grace.” Everything ends, yeah? Only God grants longevity. That’s wisdom for you.

Lagos? Special Status
Now, Lagos. Blessed city? Absolutely. Come poor, leave rich – Akiolu sees it daily. But infrastructure? “Enormous pressure.” He snorts. Still pushing for that special status. Always has. Wrote letters. Even dug out history. “In 1956, Oba Adeniji Adele wrote the British Colonial Secretary. About Lagos’ unique position.” He shrugs. “Federal recognition? Long overdue.” He tapped the table. “I’ve spoken to the Attorney-General about this.” Persistent, isn’t he?

The King’s Take? Don’t Fight – Disagree
Not a politician, Akiolu says. Just calling it as he sees it. “Politicians don’t fight,” he smiled. “They disagree.” And right now, he sees Tinubu’s path as God-ordained. Atiku’s? Blocked by destiny. That’s the monarch’s word.

Check the full report on Reportersroom. See the video, the faces, feel the mood. Lagos breathes. The palace stands. Kings speak. History listens.