The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never become the President of Nigeria, declaring that destiny does not favour him for the position.
The respected monarch made the statement at his Iga Iduganran Palace in Lagos while addressing journalists as part of activities marking his 22nd anniversary on the throne.
Speaking on Nigeria’s political journey, Oba Akiolu said Atiku’s repeated attempts to become president since 1992 have not succeeded because it is not in his destiny to rule the country.
“The future belongs to God. But let me say it plainly: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria,” the Oba declared. “Destiny does not favour him. He has been contesting since 1992, and it has never worked.”
The Lagos monarch, known for his long-standing relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described Tinubu’s rise to power as a divine arrangement. He said the President’s emergence in the 2023 election was part of God’s plan for Nigeria.
“Tinubu is compassionate and visionary. Who would have believed he would become president? Yet God made it possible,” Akiolu said. “He even presented his certificate of return to me first after winning.”
The Oba urged Nigerians, especially Lagosians, to rally behind the President and give him the necessary support to fulfil his promises and vision for the country.
He said Tinubu’s leadership is an opportunity for Nigeria to experience genuine transformation, adding that no leader can succeed without the cooperation of the people.
Oba Akiolu appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, noting that reforms take time to yield positive results. He said the economic hardship being experienced across the country is temporary and will ease as the government’s policies begin to take effect.
“Every government faces challenges, but we must not lose faith in Nigeria. The President means well and is working to make things better,” he said. “Let us support him and pray for peace and progress.”
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, has contested the presidency multiple times — in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and most recently in 2023, when he lost to Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite his long-standing ambition and political experience, Atiku has faced repeated setbacks at the polls. His recent legal challenge against Tinubu’s election victory was dismissed by the Supreme Court, which upheld Tinubu’s win.
Oba Akiolu’s latest remarks reflect his firm belief in Tinubu’s leadership and destiny. The monarch has often expressed open support for the former Lagos governor, describing him as a man chosen by God to lead Nigeria at this time.
