The Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Moses Akinwande Ogundana, is celebrating his first coronation anniversary on Saturday. In this interview with GBENGA OLUMIDE, he highlights his achievements in the last one year. Excerpts:
How will you describe your first year on the throne?
My first year on the throne has been memorable in the sense that I enjoyed and still enjoying cooperation and acceptance from my subjects. It has been very pleasant.
Has there been any form of paradigm shift in the way of life before you ascended throne and now that you are the monarch?
Of course you know I am a security expert. I used to give commands and orders before but now, I consult my chiefs before taking decisions. I was free and could do some things before but now, I am restricted to a high level that I can’t even do anything as I like.
Kindly give examples of some of your major achievements and challenges so far?
My major achievements are numerous. The most pragmatic thing to the society is peace. I was able to bring about lasting peace among warring families. This is crucial to my peaceful reign. Again, some vacant chieftaincy positions were filled. Some landmark physical projects were implemented like the basic health centre, the Solar-powered borehole at Ikoyi new site and another at Araromi in Ikoyi-Ile (our aboriginal home), a turnaround of the palace such as fencing, painting, interior facilities and toilet construction, among the lot. We were able to put the programmes of the community on radio to boost the image of the town. I have placed some students living in my community on scholarship which they enjoy till today. I have also been able to rejuvenate the moribund Community Primary School, Araromi Village, Ikoyi-Ekiti. It was there but there were no teachers and pupils. But now, there are teachers and pupils as well. The community teacher’s salary is being paid by the palace. I was able to hold empowerment programmes for the downtrodden people where I gave out foodstuffs and other items. An illustrious son of the town also empowered the widows last year December. Through my efforts and the support of some well-meaning Ikoyi-Ekiti citizens, our sons and daughters gained employment. I want to appreciate the Ekiti State governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the opportunity. The image of the town was almost buried after many years of rifes but now, we are together and our annual festivals are held with pomp and ceremony. Efforts are on to ensure that Ikole/Ikoyi/Igbemo road is tarred and we are getting good response from the government.
What are those areas you think the role of traditional rulers need a boost, given your experience so far?
As one of the traditional rulers, I think we should have more influence in the management of the local government affairs. I think the executive members of the local government area should include at least a traditional ruler. This will bridge the gap between the government and the people. The government should also hold consultations with the traditional rulers before taking decisions on matters that affect the populace.
There’s likely to be some things that you might be missing after assuming a new role in life that is totally different from your initial status as a citizen of the country. What are they?
My personal belief is that there must be civility. I am committed to implementing lasting peace in my community. I am also committed, with the cooperation of my chiefs and the good sons and daughters of the community to constructing an ultra-modern palace for the community to be sited at our aboriginal home, called Ikoyi-Ile which is Ikoyi -Ekiti homeland.
What is your overall plan designed to herald a dawn in your domain and in the life of your people?
Initially, my plan was to relocate abroad and enjoy the rest of my life there and, perhaps, come home on visitation once in a while. But now, I can’t even stay out of the country more than necessary. Before my enthronement I could travel at will but now, I am slightly restricted because of traditional needs. Like I said, I can’t do things the way I like again.
Are traditional rulers getting their dues in the country?
Not at all, a constitutional role should be given to the traditional rulers in the day to day activities of governance.
What is the greatest moment in your life?
The greatest moment of my life was the day I was crowned the King of Ikoyi Ekiti, it was an eyeopener for me that we Yorubas should embrace our traditional culture, mores and heritage. I came to realise that there is a difference between culture and religion, that we should also value our traditional institutions.
What usually turns you off as a Royal Majesty and as an esteemed citizen of this country and why?
My turn off as a traditional ruler is the way the traditional institution is being bastardised by some Yoruba Obas who accepted or contested to become king and on getting to the throne, they start condemning our traditional culture, mores and heritage. The Obaship position is not religion positions, that is what some of them should realise.
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