1st Enthronement Anniversary: Professor Siyan Oyeweso Hails Alara

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By _ Babatunde Kaka

“. . .continue to dialogue with Traditional Rulers for peace” – Olota of Ota to Government.

Activities lined up for the 1st Anniversary of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo continued with a Coronation Lecture at Augustine University Ilara (AUI), on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, where the Guest Speaker, Prof Siyan Oyeweso, made a fervent case for the Alara stool with regard regard to the controversies surrounding his position as the Permanent Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs since his enthronement a year ago.

Alara, his wife, Olori Bolanle and Olota of Ota flanked by other participants.

Dignitaries at the event include; former Lagos State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Obafunwa, Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Saidat Oladunjoye, Professor Razaq OlowuProfessor Charles Olutayo and the Director of History and Natural Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Razaq Ogunfolakan.

Prof RA Olowu while rendering the vote of thanks.

Professor Siyan in his argument pointed out that the remarks made by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the official presentation of staff of office to the Alara of Ilara on August 16th 2021 was a point of call to lay the matter to rest. It reads:

Alara of Ilara, HRM Oba Dr Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo speaking during the lecture.

“Kabiyesi, your position as Chairman of Epe Divisional Council of obas and chiefs as well as Vice-Chairman at the State level confers on your great responsibility guided by the overall interest of our dear State. You have a responsibility to provide leadership, promote cooperation, friendship and the spirit of togetherness among the comity of royal fathers and Chiefs within the Division and at the State level.”

Prof John Obafunwa, a former LASU VC, rendering the closing remarks.

The Osun State University Professor proceeded by taking participants at the coronation lecture down memory lane, bringing to fore the many leadership roles and recognition bequeathed to the Alara stool in the Old Colonial Province, particularly before the administrative reforms of 1951 under Governor Bernard Richard and the Western region house of Chiefs in 1952.

He revealed the steady rise of the Alara stool as Chairman of the Eredo Chieftaincy Committee from the emergence of Epe Division in April 1968 under the 12-State structure and the President of the then Eredo District Council in 1995.

The Olota of Ota, HRM Professor Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege rendering his remarks during the lecture.

The Alara stool according to him, rose to the position of Permanent Vice-Chairman and later Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs in 1996. The stool was thereafter accorded the First-Class Status in 1998 by the Akibo-Savage Committee on the remuneration and classification of Obas and Chiefs.

“Today, the situation is rather different. The idea of rotational Vice-Chairmanship is now being canvassed among traditional rulers in Epe Division. How will this rotatory system affect the one-year-old Alara, Oba Ogunsanwo, the paramount Ruler of the Ilara kingdom? If history has anything to teach, it is the paramountcy of Alara of Ilara as the permanent Vice-Chairman representing Epe Division in The Lagos State Council of Traditional Rulers,”

The Olori-Ebi of Telade Ruling House, Ilara Epe.

In another development, the Chairman of the Coronation Lecture, HRM Professor Adeyemi AbdulKabir Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota expressed delight at the privilege to Chair the historic occasion and to celebrate with his friend, Oba Ogunsanwo. He further canvassed support for Oba Ogunsanwo from the people of the ancient Ilara town.

Speaking on the way forward for peace and safety of lives and properties, Olota said: “It is very important for Government to continue to dialogue with Traditional Rulers to achieve lasting peace in our communities, particularly now that we have challenges. I think we can go back to the old days, we can use Baales to remould our citizens as Omuluabi is very important in Yoruba land.”

Prof Siyan Oyeweso standing while his recitation was rendered during the program.

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He further questioned the veracity of that “In modern Nigeria, justice is diluted,” citing that it is those that can tell lies that win. In contrast, the traditional justice system, he said judges in the customary courts are well versed in the traditional history of the local environment, which he described as the undoing of modern court judges.

Ronny Ikpoto

Edidiong-Ronny Ikpoto holds a First Class degree in Media Studies. He shares a healthy enthusiasm for journalism, social & literary criticism, and creative writing.