Oba Akiolu of Lagos

Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos has disclosed that the #EndSARS protesters who invaded his palace early in the morning of 21 October last year stole $2 million and N17 million.

The monarch spoke during the commissioning of Glover Hall Memorial Commissioning, Lagos on Wednesday.

Akiolu whose staff of office was stolen during the riots that followed the #EndSARS protest said he wanted to make it known to those at the event that he wanted to say it publicly that #EndSARS protesters stole $2 million and N17 million in his palace.

The Oba also decried the destruction of Lagos during the protest as he appealed to the Federal Government to assist the state to recover from the incident.

“I will support anything that will move Lagos forward. I have appealed to the Federal Government to assist Lagos with what we have suffered. The EndSARS incident that happened here from October 20 to 23 is so saddening.

“The destruction we suffered in Lagos is so enormous than in any other part of the country.

“Many buildings were burnt, including vehicles used to generate income during the #ENDSARS protests. I can now say publicly that they stole away from my palace $2 million and N17 million.

“Those who committed the offence would not have done that if they knew the implications. But as a father, I won’t place any curse on them.”

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the completion and formal commissioning of the remodeled Glover Memorial Hall reflected government’s determination to rebuild Lagos, revamp historic/public assets and also develop the Entertainment, Creative, and Tourism Sector, which is one of the pillars of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.

He said his administration was mindful of the fact that the tourism and entertainment sector is an integral part of socio-economic development, and the overall wellbeing of the citizens, which is why the sector would not be neglected in government’s drive to make Lagos a mega city.

Sanwo-Olu said although, the coronavirus pandemic and the mindless destruction which followed the EndSARS protests had a shattering impact on the economy, “we are Lagosians with the resilience, tenacity, strength and courage needed to overcome challenges and other vicissitudes. We are consolidating the gains of the past and charting fresh development trajectories for the future, with our focus on socio-economic gains that will outlive this administration.”