The Olowu of Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, has called on the government to urgently identify and correct what he described as “cultural misfits” among traditional rulers in the country.
Oba Oyelude made the call on Tuesday at Osun State University, Osogbo, shortly after receiving an award for his contributions to the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition. The event was part of the 14th Toyin Falola International Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora.
The monarch expressed concern that many individuals occupying traditional stools today have little or no knowledge about culture, even though they are referred to as custodians of tradition.
“We have a lot of cultural misfits among us. Please help us fish them out and correct them for the sake of posterity,” Oba Oyelude said.
According to him, some traditional rulers have mounted the throne with the wrong intentions and lack proper understanding of their role in preserving the traditions, culture, and values of their people.
“Within the traditional institution, some of us thought we could be on the throne and change the goalpost halfway. No, we are installed culturally and we don’t have any role articulated by the Chieftaincy Law other than being traditional rulers for the maintenance of tradition and culture,” he added.
Speaking on the UNESCO partnership project with the University of Texas, Austin, and Osun State University, the monarch described it as a remarkable achievement that would further promote Yoruba culture on the global stage.
Other traditional rulers honoured alongside Olowu Kuta included the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi.
In his remarks, renowned historian, Prof. Toyin Falola, described culture as a vital instrument for development and identity, warning that any society that abandons its culture risks losing its place in history.
The Vice Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Prof. Clement Adebooye, also expressed delight at the success of the conference, stating that the institution is committed to strengthening cultural education and research.
