VIEW POINT IS ON THE NEED TO CONSECRATE OUR TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS. IT IS WRITTEN BY HONOURABLE FEMI ADEBISI JP, A MEDIA CONSULTANT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST.
Recently, during an official ceremony of the Oyo state government in Iseyin, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a special guest at the event, ordered a section of Yoruba Obas, to stand and greet him in the public glare.
According to former President Obasanjo, despite the traditional rulers’ status, it was crucial for the Obas to respect elders and those in positions of power and according to him, doing this will enable the preservation of the Omoluabi culture of the Yorubas.
The Owu kingdom high chief said, Yoruba culture honours two main things, which are age and position, therefore the governor’s position is higher than that of any monarch in as much as he is still the governor.
Chief Obasanjo, known for his adherence to protocols, demanded that the Obas stand and then sit, just like a class teacher would order his pupils to stand and greet when an elder enters their class.
This desecration of the seat of Yoruba traditional rulers has sparked a heated debate regarding the positions and roles of Obas in contemporary Nigerian society.
Historically, there have been instances where Obas have faced dethronement by state governors when they failed to align with the political interests of those in power.
These instances highlighted the vulnerability of Obas to political interference and underline the need for a clear separation between politics and traditional roles.
Moreover, in the northern part of Nigeria, state governors have the constitutional powers to appoint and depose emirs, who are equivalent to Yoruba Obas, at will.
Many traditional rulers owe their positions to political alliances rather than the popular will of the people or cultural demands.
This further underscores the challenges faced by Obas, who often find themselves at the beck and call of politicians, compromising their impartiality and cultural custodianship.
To address these concerns, it is imperative to introduce statutory provisions that prevent Obas from engaging in partisan politics.
By so doing, Obas can focus on their cultural custodial duties while avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining the dignity of their positions as this would allow them to serve as authentic representatives of Yoruba culture and tradition, free from political interference.
As the discussions surrounding chief Obasanjo and the Yoruba Obas saga continue, all stakeholders must engage in constructive dialogue.
Efforts should be made to review the constitutional framework governing the roles and responsibilities of Obas, taking into account the need for cultural preservation, impartiality, and community development.
Ultimately, the Iseyin scenario has highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by traditional rulers in Nigeria.
While protocols and cultural practices are important, it is equally vital to address issues of respect, political interference, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
It is essential to highlight that chief Obasanjo’s firm stance on protocols does not negate his deep respect for the Obas as throughout his tenure as president, he demonstrated reverence for traditional rulers by prostrating or bowing before them as a symbol of deference and acknowledgment of their cultural significance.
His expectation for reciprocal respect during the event in Iseyin stems from a desire to uphold the mutual exchange of courtesy and honour that should exist between leaders.
Furthermore, Obas need to remain committed to their cultural custodial duties and refrain from adopting religions that may conflict with or dilute Yoruba traditions.
While religious freedom is a fundamental right, Obas play a vital role in preserving and upholding cultural practices and beliefs.
Striking a balance between religious freedom and cultural preservation can ensure the continuity of Yoruba traditions and values for future generations.
As Nigeria continues to evolve, it is crucial to engage in meaningful discussions and enact necessary reforms to empower traditional rulers while preserving their cultural heritage.
By addressing the challenges faced by Obas, such as political interference, lack of statutory responsibilities, and the need for cultural preservation, the country can establish a harmonious balance between tradition and progress and avert the drama in Iseyin in forever.
In conclusion, Nigeria can forge a path toward a future that embraces both tradition and progress when the nation nurtures a society that values and upholds its cultural heritage.
