The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has disclosed that $2 million and N17 million were stolen from his palace when youths attacked on October 21, 2020 during the #EndSARS protest.
Youths had attacked several buildings in Lagos State a day after soldiers opened live ammunition on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll plaza on October 20, 2020.
The Palace of the Oba of Lagos located at Iga Idugaran, Lagos Island, was also affected as youths vandalised vehicles and carted away several artefacts.
They also went away with the staff of office commonly referred to as ‘Opa Ase’ and plundered the palace for two days.
The Oba was whisked away by some soldiers to avoid being lynched by the attackers. He did not return to his palace until after about two months.
Akiolu, who spoke on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Glover Hall Memorial in Lagos, said he had avoided counting losses from the attack in public.
The monarch, while lamenting that Lagos suffered “huge” destruction, said those who attacked his palace were ignorant of the implication of what they did.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to assist Lagos to recover from the destruction, saying the state suffered from the aftermath of the #EndSARS protest than any other states in the country.
He 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.
“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.”
