The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, has declared that Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, is highly intelligent, hardworking, and possesses the capacity to govern the state effectively, despite having previously opposed his ambition to become governor.
Akiolu made this statement on Thursday when Hamzat visited his palace as part of a trip to Iga Egbe, Lagos Island, which is Hamzat's maternal ancestral home. The deputy governor was accompanied by his campaign team, including Director-General Musiliu Obanikoro, party chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, party loyalists such as Gbenga Ashafa, and former local council chairmen.
The monarch recounted his encounter with Hamzat in 2002 in the United States of America, where he was impressed by his intelligence. He subsequently advised the then-governor and current President Bola Tinubu to facilitate Hamzat's return home to contribute to Lagos' development, recognizing him as governorship material.
"You know one funny thing about leadership is that you must be absolutely honest and close to God. I have known Obafemi Hamzat for over 24 years. In 2002, I went to the US with my present son, who is the father of all of us today, the President of this country," Akiolu said.
"His late father was there, and we discussed that this boy (Hamzat) displayed huge intelligence and that he will be a good candidate to be considered for the governorship of the state. And that the father should release Hamzat to him (Tinubu)."
Akiolu admitted that he had previously opposed Hamzat's governorship bid. "He had attempted this before, and I must be honest about it. I am one of those at that time, I didn't hide it that opposed it. He's very intelligent, very hard-working, but at that time, his father had just been approved as the king somewhere, so he couldn't. God has a way of doing something."
The monarch urged Hamzat to remain humble when he becomes governor and not to abandon party workers. He advised him to empower party members to learn how to fish rather than simply giving them fish. He also emphasized the importance of prayer, honesty, and avoiding greed.
Akiolu called on Lagosians to understand that politicians do not fight but simply disagree. He commended Hamzat and urged political leaders to be truthful, God-fearing, and focused on the welfare of the people. He stressed that leadership should be driven by service rather than personal interests, adding that governments must prioritize policies that empower citizens, create opportunities, and promote self-reliance.
The traditional ruler also advocated for initiatives that foster unity, sustainable development, and long-term prosperity for future generations. Regarding security, he reiterated his support for state and local government policing, arguing that decentralized policing could enhance security effectiveness if properly implemented. He noted that such a system must be supported with adequate funding, logistics, training, and operational resources to address Nigeria's evolving security challenges.
In response, Hamzat described the visit as a reaffirmation of cultural heritage and political inclusiveness. He stated that regular engagement with traditional institutions and the people helps preserve Yoruba values, strengthen communal identity, and educate younger generations about their history and heritage.
The deputy governor also reassured Lagos residents of the state government's commitment to maintaining peace and security, pledging that the administration would continue to take necessary steps to protect lives and property. He urged residents to remain law-abiding and peaceful, assuring them that the government remains focused on sustaining stability while advancing the state's economic and social development agenda.
