Army chief courts Oba of Lagos, seeks traditional backing for national security

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has visited the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, to seek the support of traditional institutions for military operations and to strengthen civil–military relations.

In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit took place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, when the army chief paid a courtesy call on the monarch at his palace in Lagos.

Lieutenant General Shaibu thanked the Oba and the council of Obas for their continued support for the Nigerian Army, saying his visit was also to seek the monarch’s blessings in line with Nigeria’s cultural traditions, which he described as essential to national cohesion.

He praised Oba Akiolu for what he called his fatherly role in supporting army formations and institutions across Lagos State, noting that the monarch’s guidance had strengthened operational effectiveness and cooperation between the military and local communities.

The Oba of Lagos, in his response, commended the Nigerian Army for its role in safeguarding the country and maintaining peace, describing the force as a key pillar of the Nigerian state.

Oba Akiolu also praised the army chief’s leadership and offered prayers for peace in Nigeria and for the success of Lieutenant General Shaibu’s tenure as the 25th Chief of Army Staff.

The visit highlights the army’s efforts to deepen engagement with traditional rulers, whom it views as important partners in the country’s security and peace-building efforts.