LG Polls: Oba Akiolu Urges Lagosians to Embrace Peace

Kehinde Adeleye

In preparation for the upcoming Lagos local government elections on Saturday, July 12, the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, led a special prayer session on Wednesday at his Idunganran Palace, seeking divine guidance and a peaceful election across the state.

The prayer session was conducted in partnership with Islamic clerics from the League of Imams in Lagos Island and was led by Imam Abdulbari Sabba, the Chief Imam of Sabba Mosque in Isale Eko.

“We pray to God to guide us and for peace to reign in the Saturday local government election,” Imam Sabba said. “It is the tradition of Oba Rilwan Akiolu to organise interfaith prayers ahead of major elections to ensure peace and order in Lagos Island and the state at large.”

The monarch and the clerics used the event to urge Lagos residents to shun violence and maintain peace before, during, and after the election. They highlighted the need for unity, tolerance, and mutual respect as key elements in strengthening the democratic process.

The prayer gathering is part of a series of interfaith activities planned ahead of the elections. Thursday’s session will feature Christian prayers organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), continuing the tradition of inclusivity and spiritual readiness for a smooth and peaceful election.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is set to oversee the elections across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.