The Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, has strongly criticized traditional rulers who forsake long-held customs after ascending the throne.
He asserted that monarchs must either uphold their heritage or vacate their positions entirely.
Oba Ogunoye made this statement in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while speaking at a colloquium held to commemorate the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
His comments came in response to observations by Dr. Festus Adedayo, a journalist and scholar, who argued that Nigeria’s traditional institutions have suffered a loss of cultural depth and sacred symbolism over time.
Adedayo, who traced the evolution of traditional leadership from the pre-colonial era to the present, said, “The traditional institution must redeem itself if it wants to be taken seriously. It can do this by upholding the myths and comportment passed down from ancient times, including burial rites, sacred appearances, and dignified conduct.”
Reacting to the critique, Oba Ogunoye cautioned against generalizations, urging discussants to name specific monarchs who have deviated from tradition.
“You must identify specific individuals who have violated traditional norms rather than make sweeping generalizations,” he said.
He added, “Personally, I am a traditionalist to the core. Before becoming Olowo of Owo, I lived in the palace with my father for 25 years and fully understood the requirements. Tradition is not repugnant, it is a sacred heritage that must be preserved.”
The monarch emphasized that ascending the throne is a matter of personal choice, not an obligation, and those who take on the role must be ready to embrace its cultural demands.
“If you want to be an Oba, be prepared to abide by the customs. If you cannot, then don’t accept the position. It is not by force. Let us embrace our traditions, they are not in conflict with dignity or modernity,” Oba Ogunoye declared.
He also applauded the Oyo State Government for staying true to tradition during the recent process of selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo.
Delivering the keynote address at the colloquium, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State highlighted the enduring importance of the traditional institution in Nigeria’s national fabric.
Titled “Role of Nigeria’s Traditional Institution in Nation Building: Impediments and Prospects,” Makinde’s address described monarchy as “a fundamental part of Nigeria’s heritage, older than oil discovery and even colonial rule.”
He stressed that traditional rulers are vital to national identity, legitimacy, and unity, calling on governments to actively invest in cultural institutions as a strategy for sustainable governance.
The event drew a distinguished audience including the chairman of the colloquium, Oba Olu Falae, who is the Oba of Ilu-Abo and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Also present were the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa (represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiye Fasoranti), a representative of the Vice President, Dr. Tope Fasua, the Ondo State Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Professor Adedayo Afe, and the celebrant himself, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, among others.
