Tasks before Alaafin Owoade (II), by Kola Amzat

This is the concluded part of the above Piece earlier sent for publication a couple of days ago.

For Oyo kingdom to experience absolute peace during Kabiyesi reign and not, peace of the graveyard presently prevailing, it’s an auspicious time to restore the whole Isale Oyo community into the mainstream of the kingdom’s affairs.

Of course, it’s crystal clear that there is no love lost between the kingdom and Isale Oyo people, incidentally, the closest in terms of location to the palace and one of the most populous community in the kingdom.

Consequent upon an age-long battle on account of alleged insolence and lack of respect for the deceased Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi by the Ashipa of Oyo, the head of Isale Oyo community, High Chief Amuda Olorunkosebi and also his alleged collaboration with external forces to undermine the throne, culminating in the gruesome murder of the latter in November 26, 1992, by unknown assailants till date, the battle line has long been drawn.

But, this is a new era, as well as new monarch in the town.

In the interest of the founding fathers of the ancient kingdom, as well as very eminent pedestal the Yorubas at home and abroad, and Nigerian people as a whole placed the kingdom, we expect Isale Oyo community to sheath their swords, embrace peace and support the monarch to grow, develop and prosper the ancient town.

In turn, Kabiyesi, as father of all, is advised to immediately reach out to the leaders of the community after his coronation, with the purpose of preaching peace, harmony and togetherness, as well as encouraging/imploring them that it would be in their interest and that of generality of the indigenes for the kingdom to move away from the shackles of poverty, backwardness and lack of notable development and, that this can’t be achieved in the present atmosphere of violence, mistrust, mutual suspicion and chaos.                

Meanwhile, it’s already in the public domain that presently, the gamut of the palace is in ruin, as some unscrupulous and evil men capitalized on years of inactivity in the palace on account of lack of Oba, to completely vandalized valuables, prized assets and even, historical artecrafts within the palace.            

Consequent upon the above, the new monarch is reported to have declared that after coronation exercise might have been concluded, he will be operating from his private mansion at Boroboro area of the ancient kingdom pending the time the palace will be completely rehabilitated and face-lifted.

As much as this writer agrees with the new monarch that he indeed needs a much-more comfortable and befitting environment to royally take charge of the affairs of the kingdom, nevertheless, his decision may not be ideal and germane for the purpose of customs and traditions.

Besides the fact that the location of the palace is quite strategic, central and rallying point for the Oyos, leaders of governments and their functionaries, as well as local and foreign visitors on visitation, that private mansion would obviously not traditionally and significantly serves the real purpose and essence of the throne.

The new monarch is therefore advised to strike a balance, by reaching out directly to the relevant authority and key figures within the ancient town, with the aims and objectives of ensuring the immediate rehabilitation and renovation of the segment of palace that HOUSES THE THRONE AND VISITORS’ OFFICE where Kabiyesi could seamless operates temporarily during the day and thereafter, retires to his private mansion at Boroboro in the evening/night pending the time the whole palace would come alive.  

Very instructively, as Kabiyesi commences his reign after coronation, it’s important that Aare of Ona Kakanfo, Otunba Gani Adams must be invited to the  palace for fresh session that will involve spelling out in unequivocal terms, the terms and references, as well as limitations of his office. 

There is no doubt that, that in recent times most especially after the demise of Alaafin Adeyemi, Otunba Gani Adams has over-stepped his boundary.  

During his second anniversary celebration as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, installed 16 chiefs to complement his work as the generalissimo of the ethnic nationality.

Recently, he constituted six man Aare Ona Kakanfo in-Council.

Where does he derives this authority and power? 

He’s also been visiting very prominent traditional rulers across the country, in his capacity as Aare Ona Kakanfo, making speech like an Oba.

Indeed, he’s been to Oba of Benin with retinue of entourage. He’s also been to the palace of Atunwase of Warri also with diverse men and women in his entourage.

He’s equally been deploying the platform of Aare Ona Kakanfo to attack the policies and programs of federal government.

Does office of Kakanfo really confers him this authority?

As a figure properly born and bred in the ancient kingdom, I really don’t think that he has this latitude. 

After-all, we’ve also significantly educated ourselves with Oyo chequered history.

I’m of the view that if he desires to continue to reign as Kakanfo, there must be decorum, comportment and respect for the throne that confer him the exalted title.

Finally, on developmental level, rumour is rife that new Oyo state is expected to be created by President Tinubu administration, as well as Ijebu state.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale of Ijebu-land is presently on the top of this project mobilizing all Ijebus, home and abroad, as well as romancing the federal government in a bid to ensuring that the capital of the new state is located in Ijebu-Ode.

And, there exists no doubt that the monarch would triumph as he is a go-getter.

It’s particularly gladdening and satisfying that Alaafin Owoade has come at a right and germane time.

Amongst many issues that would be on his priority list, this writer passionately appeal to the new king to let this project be at that the FOREFRONT.

For years, Oyo has been in the quest to become a state capital. And why not? After, several decades of been an historical and traditional octopus in the rich history of the Yorubas.

Alaafin Owoade must be the rallying point for the actualization of this wonderful and amazing project that has the capacity to not only completely moves the ancient town to the new level, but, also drive modern growth, development and prosperity, as well as immeasurably empower our people.          

Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB)

Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,

09077509348.

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