The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, has issued a strong appeal to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) to take immediate action against the growing threat of weapon proliferation in Nigeria's Southwest region.
Royal Appeal Against Arms Proliferation
During a meeting with the newly appointed Zonal Commander for Southwest Nigeria, CP Abiodun Alamutu, at his Lagos palace on November 19, 2025, the monarch emphasized the urgent need to identify and address security personnel who might be facilitating the illegal circulation of weapons.
Oba Akiolu did not mince words when he stated that "a minority within the security agencies" contributes significantly to the problem despite its devastating consequences for society. The traditional ruler advised the zonal director to combine prayer with discipline in his work, asserting that "If you are prayerful and highly disciplined, your actions and the positive outcomes will just be like magic."
The monarch stressed the magnitude of the challenge facing Alamutu, telling him directly that "you have a lot of work to do, considering the few bad elements who are part and parcel of the system."
Commendation and Collaboration
In a related development, Oba Akiolu praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing the appointment of Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The monarch acknowledged the agency's significant efforts in combating drug abuse while noting that more work remains to be done in this critical area.
CP Alamutu expressed gratitude for the royal audience and emphasized the importance of collaboration in the fight against illicit weapons. He highlighted that the misuse of small arms and light weapons has caused considerable harm across Nigerian society.
The zonal commander provided historical context, explaining that the centre was established in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the enabling legislation signed into law in 2024 by President Tinubu to strengthen peace initiatives and reduce the illegal flow of arms.
Educational Concerns Raised
In a separate development, Oba Akiolu expressed serious reservations about the planned introduction of computer-based testing for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) by 2026. The monarch supported the House of Representatives' call for the Federal Ministry of Education to reconsider the implementation timetable.
The traditional ruler pointed to significant infrastructural limitations, noting that "there are still many communities at the grassroots that do not have access to electricity and technology to drive such an initiative."
These comments came during a meeting with principals from Unity Colleges across Nigeria, led by Mrs Binta Abdul-Kadir, at his palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island. The monarch used the opportunity to highlight the crucial role of teachers and health workers in national development, encouraging them to plan for retirement by saving portions of their income.
Despite current challenges, Oba Akiolu expressed confidence in Nigeria's future, stating his belief that the country would emerge stronger under the present administration.
