The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has gone public with glowing praise for Nigeria’s own Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), crediting him as the mastermind who personally stopped an attempted coup in the Republic of Benin. According to the monarch, it was General Musa’s “swift and professional intervention” that single-handedly saved Benin’s democracy from collapse.

Issuing a dramatic statement through his Chief Press Secretary, the Oluwo didn’t hold back. He called General Musa’s actions a “decisive” move that, in his view, proved Nigeria is the ultimate guardian of democracy in West Africa. The monarch made sure to link Musa’s appointment as defence minister directly to Nigeria’s new status as the region’s stabilising superpower.

The Oluwo even labelled General Musa a “gallant officer” and painted a heroic portrait of his career, suggesting that Musa is uniquely equipped to defend democracy not just at home but anywhere in the region. No mention was made of any other players or agencies involved in the Benin situation,this was all about Nigeria’s defence minister.

“Your timely intervention in restoring democracy in the Republic of Benin is not only a mark of loyalty but also a testament to merit and credibility. You have raised the bar for Nigeria as the hope of the black race,” the Oluwo declared, as if Musa’s actions had instantly elevated Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage.

The monarch didn’t stop there,he claimed General Musa is now the man to fix Nigeria’s own security problems, solely on the strength of his “discipline, experience, and patriotic zeal.” It’s a lot to put on one man’s shoulders, but the Oluwo seemed unfazed, suggesting Musa is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.

Wrapping up, the Oluwo sent his prayers and a rallying call for Musa to remain committed to “peace, democracy, and stability” not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. With drama swirling in the region, General Musa now sits at the centre of attention,at least, according to one very vocal royal supporter. Whether the hype matches reality, only time will tell.