His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos and traditionally known as the Eleko of Eko, is the reigning traditional ruler of Lagos, Nigeria. He was born on 29 October 1943 in Lagos and has served on the throne since 2003. ([Nigeria Repository][1])

Oba Akiolu received his secondary education at Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Surulere, Lagos, and subsequently studied Law at the University of Lagos, where he obtained an LL.B. degree. His legal education was followed by professional training at the Nigerian Law School. ([Media Nigeria][2])

Before becoming Oba of Lagos, he had a distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, joining the force in 1970. Over approximately 32 years of service, he held various positions and rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). He retired from the police service in 2002. ([State House Abuja][3])

In May 2003, Oba Akiolu was selected as the successor to Oba Adeyinka Oyekan. His coronation took place on 9 August 2003, marking the beginning of his reign as Oba of Lagos. The National Library of Nigeria records his reign as beginning in 2003 and continuing to the present. ([Nigeria Repository][1]) As Oba of Lagos, His Majesty occupies an important traditional and cultural position in one of Nigeria's most historic cities. The traditional institution represents a link between Lagos's history, indigenous culture, community life and contemporary society. His role includes serving as a custodian of Lagos heritage and providing counsel on matters affecting the community. During his reign, Oba Akiolu has maintained a visible role in public and traditional affairs. In 2026, for example, he marked his 23rd coronation anniversary at the Iga Idunganran Palace and, in his capacity as Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, continued to participate in traditional and civic affairs. ([Radio Nigeria Lagos][4]) His long public-service career, legal education and experience in law enforcement have formed an important part of his background as a traditional ruler. In 2023, the Nigerian Presidency described him as a custodian of Lagos's culture and traditions and recognised his long-standing role in the civic life of Lagos. ([State House Abuja][3])

Oba Rilwan Akiolu continues to occupy the historic Iga Idunganran throne, representing an enduring institution at the heart of Lagos's traditional heritage.

[1]: https://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/items/acf7992b-f257-4777-a442-35040929bfa0/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com "A portrait of H.R.M. Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akinolu." [2]: https://www.medianigeria.com/biography-of-rilwan-babatunde-osuolale-aremu-akiolu-i/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Biography Of Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I" [3]: https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-celebrates-revered-traditional-ruler-oba-rilwan-akiolu-of-lagos-at-80/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "President Tinubu Celebrates Revered Traditional Ruler, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at 80 - The State House, Abuja" [4]: https://radionigerialagos.gov.ng/oba-akiolu-marks-23rd-coronation-anniversary-recalls-rejecting-%E2%82%A65m-bribe-during-abacha-era/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Oba Akiolu Marks 23rd Coronation Anniversary, Recalls Rejecting ₦5m Bribe During Abacha Era - Radio Nigeria Lagos"