Re: Open letter to Gov Makinde on approval of Prince Ghandi as new Soun
Fatai ADEWUYI
I read with interest an open letter by Mr Adejare Ibrahim on the approval of Prince Ghandi Olaoye as new Soun of Ogbomoso. From my understanding, the letter recommends a restructuring of the modus operandi of installation and coronation of traditional rulers in Oyo state with reference to the newly elected Oba of Ogbomoso, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, as a starting point.
Advertisement
That is the import of the letter if I get it right. With reference to an earlier write up on the subject matter by my humble self, in which I made mention of some of our ways that have to be mended, his letter seems to affirm my assertion. There are some installation rites that are fetish and not really related to the Yoruba culture which can be waived according to individual Oba’s belief and practices since Nigeria is a secular country.
Advertisement
Traditional rulers should be allowed to practice their professed religions and be accorded rights to be treated accordingly if we want monarchial stools to be occupied by men of God, I mean monotheist kings as in the old testament and confirmed by some ayahs of the Koran. Frankly, this is not asking for too much. As we are now having modern Obas so does the institution of Obaship need to be made to move with time to meet modern challenges. Many states like Ogun cited in the letter have reviewed their kingship institutions, and being a Yoruba state, the governor should do review of our state’s installation rites too to align with modern time.
Advertisement
This is however not to change tradition but rather to give it a human face by making it personal. For instance, when late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi died, he was buried in an Islamic way, being a Moslem! Ditto should all other activities that Obas are related to! God bless our governor for being a listening and wise governor.
Adewuyi (Olla Balm) sends this piece via 08130851574
