Ibadans/Makinde’s calculated and sustained efforts at demeaning Alaafin throne, by Kola Amzat

With the governor, and all dignitaries, as well as the government functionaries already seated in an Inter-Faith event recently organized by Oyo state government, Oba Ladoja who arrived late to the occasion, greeted everyone seated on his way to his designated seat, but, opted to ignore the gestures of greeting extended onto him by Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.   

After being reprimanded by a cross section of Nigerians on the social-media platforms and other news platforms, he attempted to change the narrative.

According to him, on account of his late arrival at the occasion, he didn’t want to obstruct the protocol by extending gestures of greetings to everyone.

Meanwhile, immediately after the Inter-Faith event at Agodi governor’s office, the band of Ibadan Mogajis, CCII, other Ibadan stakeholders, swiftly jumped in favour of their Oba, making justifications for appropriateness of his action, specifically citing his age, former status as governor of the state, senator, as well as his accomplishments as businessman.

In their height of grandstanding, and desperate bid to whip off sentiments and emotions, they totally forgot that, being a former governor and senator in the past, as well as business accomplishments and age, have no bearing when comparing Ibadan crown and globally revered crown of Alaafin of Oyo.

It’s never the same! It can’t be!

But, what climaxed the week’s drama was Governor Seyi Makinde’s sudden exhumation of the controversial rotational Oyo state council of Obas & Chiefs matter, which has remained a no-go area since 2011.

It is curious why the governor suddenly opined that the best strategy to deploy to provide solution to the brewing royal acrimony is to inaugurate Oba Rasheed Ladoja as the Chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas & Chiefs for a tenure of two years.

With all intents and purposes, the governor’s act of indiscretion is condemnable, reprehensible, counter-productive and most insensitive to the issue at hand.

The governor’s move is totally at variance with the Yoruba traditions, history and cultures, and unequivocally lend credence that he’s complicit in the calculated & sustained attempts at undermining and demystifying Alaafin throne.

Flowing from the above, Nigerians, especially, the Yorubas could therefore clearly establish that it’s the governor who indeed masterminded the removal of Alaafin as permanent Chairman, by mandating the assembly members to amend the long-existing act, to a rotational chairmanship.       

But, let it be known by those who are experts in distorting history; history has never been kind to them.

While we exercise no doubt that all Yoruba Obas deserve respect and honors, the throne occupied by Alaafin is unique and most distinguished.  

Without a shadow of a doubt, Alaafin remains the custodian of Yoruba cultures, traditions, norms, history, as well as socio-cultural heritage.

Alaafin influence transcends Yorubaland and was long established even before the colonial era.

The exalted throne continually serves as moral compass and reference to the Yorubas at home, and in Diaspora-Brazil, Cuba, Canada, Benin Republic, South America etc.

There is no controversy that Iku Baba Yeye remains a distinguished and highly revered Monarch whose historical role is steeped in Yoruba traditions, cultures, chequered history and practices.

The aforementioned are what Ibadans are deploying efforts at undermining and demystifying.

It’s also instructive to stress at this juncture that Ibadans warriors were proud to serve under the leadership of the Alaafin of Oyo; so why are the present generation running from pillar to post to change the course of history?    

For the record, it’s also germane to submit that the evolution of Ibadan traditional institution, from the period of Baale of Ibadan land to the contemporary Olubadan, came into being under the leadership and influence of Alaafin. Is this the right way to pay back one’s benefactor?

For crying out loud, Oba of Lagos has remained the permanent Chairman of Lagos state Council of Obas & Chiefs for decades. Emir Sulu Gambari has also remained in the Kwara State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Ooni of Ife has been the Chairman of Council of Obas & Chiefs in Osun state.

In Sokoto state, the Sultan of Sokoto is forever, permanent Chairman of Council of Obas & Chiefs.   

What makes Oyo different? Why has Alaafin been denied the Council of Obas and Chiefs’ permanent Chairman? Envy, jealousy and strife on account of the rich history and antecedent of the kingdom!

It’s important for all concerned particularly, the Mogajis and other stakeholders to retrace their steps and let Alaafin be, in the interest of peace and unity amongst the Yorubas.

In the same vein, it’s also important for Governor Seyi Makinde to URGENTLY revisit his position on the chairmanship of Obas & Chiefs and restore Alaafin to the eminent position designated for him by history.

This is the path to tread!

Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB)

Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,

09077509348.