Step Aside From The Thrown If You Won’t Accept, Practice The Tradition – Olowo Tells Monarchs

July 18, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, has expressed disapproval of traditional rulers who abandon traditional practices after ascending to the throne.

The monarch emphasized that becoming a king is a choice, not a compulsion. Oba Ogunoye made these remarks during a colloquium held in Akure, the state capital, to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

During the event, a discussant, Dr. Festus Adedayo, critiqued the traditional institution for losing some of its defining myths and cultural values.

Dr. Adedayo, a journalist and scholar, traced the historical significance of traditional institutions from pre-colonial times to the present day. He noted that the current generation of monarchs has often diluted the institution’s sacredness and public perception.

Oba Ogunoye responded by urging against sweeping categorizations of kings, instead advocating for specific references to those who deviate from traditional norms.

“Personally, I am a traditionalist to the core. Before becoming Olowo of Owo, I lived in the palace with my father for 25 years and fully understood the requirements. Tradition is not repugnant, it is a sacred heritage that must be preserved,” he said.

“If you want to be an Oba, be prepared to abide by the customs. If you cannot, then don’t accept the position. It is not by force. Let us embrace our traditions, they are not in conflict with dignity or modernity,” Oba Ogunoye added.

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who delivered the keynote address titled “Role of Nigeria’s Traditional Institution in Nation Building: Impediments and Prospects,” described the monarchy as a fundamental part of Nigeria’s heritage. Makinde stated that traditional rulers remain pillars of identity, legitimacy, and social cohesion, calling on governments to invest in cultural institutions.