Prince Olaide Adurodolorun Adeniyi is from Ofokutu/Bilaro royal family of Ilesa, Osun State. In this interview by Gbenga Olumide, he explained why is contesting for the stool of Owa Obokun, among other sundry issues. Excerpt:
With the demise of the late Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, there is bound to be contention among the ruling houses. What are the chances of your royal house being the one to produce the next king?
I want to first of all commiserate with the people of Ijesaland over the demise of our revered monarch, may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. The issue of succession to the throne has long been gazetted. It is the turn of the Ofokutu to produce the next monarch. So the Bilaro ruling house, by that arrangement stands the chance of producing the next traditional ruler.
As a male child from the Ofokutu ruling house and going by my pedigree and exposure and relatively young age, I am qualified and will show interest in becoming the next king, just like others may want to.
It seems you are confident of becoming the next Owa Obokun. What are the attractions?
To say the least, I have every capacity to be the next king. Right from my school days, I have associated with everything that has to do with Ijesa tradition and culture. Currently, I am supporting some Ijesa indigent students in higher institutions with what God has endowed me with. I have also been paying WAEC and NECO fees of some students in my community consistently within the ambit of my resources. I have also engaged in educational advancements and palliatives for widows and the aged.
As a prince and an aspirant to the throne, what are the ingredients needed to become a monarch?
You must first come from a royal and ruling family and you must be conversant with custom and tradition of Ijesa, particularly Ilesa. Also, you must be someone of integrity, honesty and impeccable character. Despite all these, the bulk stops on the table of the Afobajes (the kingmakers), who after due consultations will pronounce the next king. My take, however, is that Ijesa in this present age deserves a vibrant and young monarch, who is well in tune with global realisation and challenges
As a contender, do you think you meet all the criteria?
Apart from the fact that I’m well educated, young and vibrant, having the capacity to float and run viable businesses, I have been managing men and resources for years. I am a successful man by all standards. In addition, I am a royal prince, knowledgeable in grassroots initiatives and needs of my people. I am a philanthropist to the core.
If you eventually become the king, what will be your priorities?
My utmost priorities will be further development of the entire Ijesaland.
As a paramount ruler, the overall development of Ijesaland will be my topmost agenda. I will ensure a strong and robust relationship with government, corporate organization and well-meaning individuals to bring the much needed and accelerated growth to my people.
In the past, traditional rulers played prominent roles. There was a time the late Ooni was the governor of the Western Region and there were members of the House of Chiefs. Now, such roles are no more. The powers have been eroded. Do you subscribe to the restoration of such roles?
It may no longer be possible because we are not running a monarchical system of government. In Nigeria, we are operating a presidential system of government. Even in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia where they practise monarchical government, there are the prime minister and the queen or king who performed different state functions.
There is no way such political roles could be given to the monarchs again, especially in a presidential democracy like Nigeria. In Nigeria, Obas are directly under the local government. They have been confined to mere advisory roles.
Again, due to the constitution that we practice in Nigeria, traditional rulers are just custodians of culture. They do not possess any executive power.
However, government still needs the collaboration and cooperation of the monarchs to run the affairs of the country effectively and efficiently.
Do you think the institution of obaship has been politicised or is it possible for an oba to emerge without some elements of politics?
I don’t believe so. If you go around now, there is no way you can become a king without first coming from a recognised royal family. Though there could be misunderstandings within the family in the selection process, it is still practically impossible to play conventional politics in the selection of an oba. If per adventure it happens, rest assured that it will definitely be challenged in court.
What advice will you give at this period, as regards what people are passing through in the country?
It is a pity that Nigerians have been subjected to these hardships at this time. It really pricks my heart. It is not cheering at all. People should be patient and very soon, things will change for the better
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