The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has said he believes President Bola Tinubu will spend eight years in office, stating that a dream he had foretold the President’s re-election.

Oba Akiolu made the remark on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit by the 46th Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, to the palace.

The monarch urged Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu, saying the country would begin to experience positive outcomes from the far-reaching reforms introduced by the administration. He described current hardships as temporary sacrifices for long-term national progress.

“I dreamt that President Tinubu will be re-elected and will spend eight years as President of Nigeria,” Akiolu said. “There is no doubt Nigeria has some problems, but we will overcome them. The suffering of today is for a better tomorrow.”

The Oba stressed that the responsibility of securing and rebuilding the country rests on all Nigerians, not only the government, while commending officers and men of the Nigerian Navy for their commitment and professionalism.

He described the role of the Navy in Lagos as critical, noting that there is no well-meaning citizen who would not support the service in carrying out its duties. He also called for the establishment of a joint intelligence board to enhance intelligence gathering and information 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 maintaining security within their communities.

He said Lagos State occupies a strategic position in the Navy’s operations, as over 70 per cent of cargoes entering Nigeria pass through the state, in addition to its extensive and sensitive waterways.

Mustapha also recalled an earlier encounter with the Oba of Lagos, during which the monarch advised him to prepare early for retirement, an advice he said had been beneficial to his career. (The Guardian)

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