The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, has issued a strong call to kingmakers across Yoruba-speaking states in Nigeria and beyond, urging them to uphold the customs and traditions of their forefathers. He declared that any prince who is unwilling to practice Isese, the Yoruba indigenous religion should not aspire to become a traditional ruler.
The revered monarch made this declaration on Thursday evening at his palace in Owo, Ondo State, during a courtesy visit by members of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), led by its president, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode. The council’s visit was aimed at commending the king for his consistent promotion and protection of Yoruba heritage.
Oba Ogunoye emphasized the need for traditional rulers to preserve Yoruba culture in the face of rising modernization, stressing that the throne of an Oba is not merely ceremonial but deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual identity of the Yoruba people.
“Anyone who is not ready to promote the indigenous culture of Yoruba land should stay away from the position of Oba or abdicate the throne,” the Olowo said. “Yoruba is a special race, endowed with a peculiar heritage, including religion. The throne derives its essence from ancient Yoruba tradition. All princes may be entitled, but only those ready to uphold the customs of the land should be considered.”
The monarch further called on traditional rulers who are leaning toward foreign religions at the expense of Yoruba traditional beliefs to reconsider their positions or step aside. According to him, the survival and authenticity of the Yoruba identity depend on its guardians, the monarchs staying true to the culture they represent.
Dr. Fakayode, in his remarks, lauded Oba Ogunoye for his unwavering commitment to Yoruba spirituality and cultural values. He noted that the ICIR’s mission includes preserving and spreading the teachings of Ifa, and expressed satisfaction that the Olowo remains a dependable ally in this cause.
Also speaking, Barrister Doyin Odebowale, legal counsel to the ICIR, praised the monarch for defending Yoruba tradition against what he described as growing intrusion from foreign religious practices. He urged other Yoruba kings to rise to the responsibility of protecting their thrones from erosion and irrelevance.
“Our monarchs must take their stools seriously to command respect not just among their people but in the larger society. Tradition is not a costume to be worn and discarded it is a sacred duty,” Odebowale said.
The visit and the monarch’s pronouncement come at a time of increasing debate over the role of traditional religion in modern kingship in Yoruba land, especially as more royal aspirants publicly identify with foreign religions.
