- Don’t be a King if You Can’t Follow Tradition — Olowo Warns
- Urges aspiring monarchs to opt out if they reject customs
- Calls out generalisation of kings who disrespect tradition
By Grateful Ogunjebe
A first-class Yoruba monarch has declared that those who cannot uphold ancient customs should not accept to become kings.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, made this statement during a colloquium in Akure to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.
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Oba Ogunoye was responding to a paper by Dr Festus Adedayo, who argued that traditional rulers had lost their mystique, making the institution weaker in nation-building.
Dr Adedayo traced the roots of Nigeria’s traditional institutions from pre-colonial to modern times, insisting that without their mythical authority, kingship loses influence.
He said the sacredness of kings must be preserved in their behaviour, appearance, and in the handling of rites such as burial ceremonies, as passed down over generations.
However ,Oba Ogunoye countered that generalising was unfair. He said not all monarchs have neglected their responsibilities or defied cultural practices.
“You must name those who have abandoned their duties, not speak of all of us in one breath,” he stated, calling himself a staunch traditionalist who embraces every custom fully.
He praised the Oyo State Government for upholding long-held traditions in the recent selection and installation of the new Alaafin of Oyo.
Referring to Queen Elizabeth II’s burial, Oba Ogunoye said traditional rites are not unique to Nigeria alone and should be embraced, not rejected.
“If you cannot practise the tradition, do not accept to be an Oba. It is not by force. It is optional. I was in the palace with my father for 25 years. I knew what it involved,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s customs are not repugnant, but sacred systems that strengthen society and give rulers their moral and cultural mandate.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, delivered a keynote address highlighting how traditional institutions are older than oil exploration in Nigeria and remain vital to national unity.
Makinde noted that any serious government must strengthen traditional structures to leave a lasting legacy, describing them as pillars of identity and cohesion.
Also present were former SGF, Chief Olu Falae; Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his SSG, Dr Taiye Fasoranti; and VP’s rep, Dr Tope Fasua.
Others at the event included Ondo AG, Dr Kayode Ajulo; Professor Adedayo Afe, and the celebrant, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi.
