The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has stated that he regretted Nigeria’s independence was too early.
Oba Akanbi, who noted that Nigeria as the giant of Africa should have been developed by now, blamed the woes of Nigeria on politicians and leaders who he claimed have managed the country’s affairs since independence.
In an independence day message addressed to the general public and politicians, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, and made available on Saturday in Osogbo, the monarch lamented that the state of the nation was unsuitable and urged the politicians to change their ways.
He also wondered what type of reward awaited Nigeria’s leaders according to what they did for Nigeria and Nigerians.
According to him, “Nothing to be happy about in 62 years of Nigeria independence day and the irony of it is that, we took the independence too soon and left our future in the hands of some heartless leaders. Many of our Leaders were selfish, incompetent, and not God fearing. May nature reward them accordingly for what they have done for Nigeria.
“I challenge them to individually come out to highlight the good they have done for this country. On every independence day like this, a space should be provided for all of them to tell us the pride they have brought to this country. We deserve better. We have everything to our advantage to be one of the very few greatest countries in the world but leaders to our disadvantage.
“As a natural paramount ruler, I’m proud of my achievements as an incorruptible monarch of merit to my kingdom. I take nothing from my people. I protect their interest and resources. I give account of my stewardship and always demand they challenge me when I unlawfully take from their sweat. As one of the leaders today, I’m so proud of myself and beat my chest.
“Nigerians should freely express their mind instead of the usual happy independence. As the giant of Africa, we should be proud of it now.
“My piece of advice to the politicians and leaders in the position of power now is for them to change their ways now and make this country better.
“I’ve the hope we can still kick and better. The ball has not crossed the bar. Nigerians should start electing and appointing credible individuals into positions of authority and always request stewardship. We have the power to reject any elected or appointed leader whose governance is of curse to us.
“The masses must unite to dispossess people of no conscience from power. It is now, it is already late but not too late.”
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