Oba of Lagos Faults Trump’s Comment on Religious Killings in Nigeria
By Afolabi Nelson
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump over his claim that Christians are being killed in Nigeria. The monarch described the statement as false, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary tension across the country. He said such comments misrepresent the true situation in Nigeria and paint an unfair picture of the nation before the international community.
Speaking at his palace in Lagos after celebrating his 82nd birthday, Oba Akiolu said Nigerians of different faiths have lived together peacefully for decades. He noted that both Christians and Muslims share communities, celebrate festivals together, and support one another during difficult times, which reflects the spirit of unity and mutual respect that binds the nation.
The traditional ruler emphasised that criminal attacks and terrorism in certain parts of Nigeria are not motivated by religion. According to him, these acts are the handiwork of misguided individuals and groups pursuing selfish or political interests rather than religious objectives. He stressed that blaming religion for such violence only deepens division and distracts from addressing the real issues.
Oba Akiolu called on international leaders to always verify information before making public comments about Nigeria. He warned that careless or uninformed statements could harm the country’s reputation and strain diplomatic relations. The monarch urged for responsible communication and cooperation among global partners to promote peace, understanding, and development.
