Politicians denigrating traditional institutions – Ladigbolu

The Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, has expressed displeasure over the challenges that political influence is posing to traditional institutions.

The cleric canvassed the strengthening of the traditional institution to safeguard it from interference and abuse by political officeholders.

Ladigbolu, who is also Chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum, stated this while playing host to the newly crowned Owa of Igbajo in Osun State, Oba Ademola Makinde, at his Apewo residence, in Oyo town, on Tuesday.

Delivering his welcome address, Ladigbolu said, “This gathering is monumental as it is coming after the call to the glory of the first literate, enlightened, articulate, famous, admirable, courageous, intelligent, and globally respected African monarch, the Alaafin and King of the Yoruba, Oba Dr. Lamidi Adeyemi III.

“The exalted and venerated stool of the Alaafin is vacant at such a time as this when traditional rulership is in great disarray and dire straits. Today, it is facing some of the most harrowing challenges in history.”

According to him, long before now, traditional stools used to be banishments and reduction of emoluments, but today “it is a case of the tail wagging the dog with politicians downgrading and upgrading traditional rulers.”

“In some odd and ugly cases, two kings are ruling over one kingdom with no clue as to who is fake and who is genuine. Political power play has taken the rule over traditional rulership. What a trying time when children of the kings who are in power dictate to their fathers instead of learning from their wise and elderly counsels. They are ordered around and are still called royal fathers.”

Ladigbolu said given today’s reality it was needless to ask whether sacred institutions still have relevance.

 “I am well aware that in England and some European countries, kings and queens still exist and they still have ruling authority over their people without noticeable political interference, including accusing kings of ‘insubordination.’

The archbishop’s address appears to reference the delayed installation of a new Alaafin of Oyo more than two years after the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

It also touches on the crisis rocking the Kano emirate where Ado Bayero and Sanusi Lamido are still battling for the throne. The tussle arose following the dethronement of Emir Bayero and the subsequent reinstatement of Emir Sanusi by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Responding to Ladigbolu’s address, the Owa of Igbajo acknowledged the influence of Ladigbolu on his life, describing him as a “living legend and encyclopedia of modern Yoruba history.”

Makinde, who also described Ladigbolu as his father, said he was surprised that a father could honour a son with the level of welcome accorded him and his entourage.

He said he was happy to identify with Oyo and Ladigbolu and also prayed that God would choose the right person as the successor to the Alaafin stool.