Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has revealed that a total of $2 million (about N800 million) and N17 million were stolen from his palace during the #EndSARS protest that rocked the nation in October 2020.
Speaking at the commissioning of Glover Hall Memorial in Lagos state on Wednesday March 3, Akiolu stated that the loss the state suffered during the crisis is so enormous than in any other part of the country.
The Monarch further said that those who committed the offence would not have done that if they knew the implication.
In October, there were demonstrations against police brutality across the country, organised under the #EndSARS protest.
The protest reached its peak when security operatives believed to be soldiers opened fire at protesters at Lekki tollgate on October 20, Lagos state.
Following the shooting incident, Lagos state recorded wanton destruction of lives and properties by hoodlums.
The crisis that erupted in the state saw the invasion of the palace of the monarch, with men and women carting away any item in sight, Some persons even swam in the pool inside the palace.
Akiolu’s staff of office was also seized, and a young man was later seen in a video on social media, running away with the item.
However, military officers intervened and Akiolu was rescued from the palace, while buildings within the premises were vandalised.
Shortly after, the staff of office was found and ritual rites were performed to welcome it back to the palace.
Now speaking about the mob invasion of his palace and other destruction that took place in the state, the monarch said those who committed the offence would not have done that if they knew the implication.
Akiolu said;
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 incident that happened here from October 20th to 23rd is so saddening.
The destruction we suffered in Lagos is so enormous than in any other part of the country.
Read Also: EndSARS: Oba Of Lagos Returns To Palace Two Months After Mob Invasion
He added;
Many buildings were burnt, including vehicles used to generate income. 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 implication. But as a father, I won’t place any curse on them.
