The Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has said that no one should accept a royal crown if they are not willing to honour and uphold the traditions that come with it.
Oba Ogunoye gave this charge on Wednesday in Akure during a colloquium held in celebration of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.
He was responding to remarks made by public affairs analyst, Dr Festus Adedayo, who had earlier criticised what he described as the fading relevance and mythical strength of the traditional institution, blaming it for weakening its own role in nation-building.
According to Adedayo, “The traditional institution must redeem itself if it wants to be taken seriously. One of the myths is in the comportment of kings, their sacred perception by the populace and upholding of the process of burial of kings passed on from ancient times.”
In a firm reaction, Oba Ogunoye said becoming an Oba is not compulsory and should only be taken up by those who understand and are ready to abide by the customs of their forebears.
“If you want to be an Oba, be ready to accept what comes with it,” he said. “It is optional. Nobody is forced into it. Before I became Olowo of Owo, I knew what it entailed. I was in the palace for 25 years with my father. I’ve never seen anything repugnant in our traditions.”
He warned against generalizing the failure of some monarchs, urging critics to identify those responsible and address them specifically.
“Don’t condemn the entire institution. Mention those who have derailed. The Queen of England died recently and her burial process was deeply rooted in British royal tradition. So, why do we act as if our own customs are out of place?” he queried.
The Olowo praised the Oyo State government for respecting traditional rites during the recent selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo and stressed the need to hold fast to such cultural values.
Also speaking at the event was Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who delivered a keynote address titled “Role of Nigeria’s Traditional Institution in Nation Building: Impediments and Prospects.” He described the traditional institution as a historical foundation for governance and community unity, predating the discovery of crude oil in the country.
Makinde stressed that “Any government that wants to leave a lasting legacy must strengthen its cultural institutions because they serve as pillars of identity, cohesion and legitimacy.”
Other dignitaries at the colloquium included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Oba of Ilu-Abo, Chief Olu Falae, who chaired the event; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiye Fasoranti; Vice President’s representative, Dr Tope Fasua; Ondo State Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo; Professor Adedayo Afe; and the celebrant, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo.
