BY BODE DUROJAIYE

The sacredness of the Alaafin Monarchy system is one of the few reasons why
Oyo traditional system and values have garnered so much respect and admiration over the years.

The Alaafin inspires nothing short of reverence. The almost magical and legendary feats of Iku Baba Yeye in times past have also blessed the chapters of oral history, with in-depth documentation of historical accomplishments.

In the often larger-than-life narrative surrounding royalty in Yoruba land, Alaafin didn’t rule his domain as mere mortal, but like a god and Veritable Custodian of art and culture.

One part as a King and one part as a Father to all living and non-living creatures; including the beings that abide in the forest, under the sea and below and above the different layers of the heavens.

The Alaafin’s power is likened to that of the gods!

Iku Baba Yeye , Alaase Orisa; this paean places the Paramount Ruler on the same pedestal as the gods. Still, Alaafin is accountable to his people and the gods of the land. His primary duty is to develop his domain, as well as protect and develop every aspect of the socio-cultural well-being of the Yoruba land.

The future of heritage, culture and arts of a nation rest on the shoulders of the traditional rulers, like the Alaafin, and the traditional institutions around him. As a Guardian of Culture, Alaafin is first and last line of defence against foreign interruption and infiltration in Yorubaland.

But over the years, the culture and heritage of the Yoruba nation have not been as vibrant and elegant as it used to be. Infiltration and dilutions in so many ways have caused people to abandon the old ways.

Traditional values and morals laid down by our forefathers have been jettisoned for western and modern ways of life which have brought us nothing but decay and a breakdown of order and values inherent in our traditional systems.

Is it safe to say that Obaship and Traditional Institutions in Yoruba land have been compromised and stained because of the aim of amassing wealth and affluence?

The appalling breakdown of law and order and the moral decadence in Yoruba land calls for urgent attention and resolution.

The future of any developed Nation and country depends on his preservation of its history, culture, heritage, arts and culture. The richness of the Yorùbá culture and heritage connects the world just as the Atlantic Ocean connects diverse countries. Its level of wealth is multi-layered, hence, it must be protected at all cost and the role of the Obaship and traditional institutions in delivering this duty is important.

The legacy of the Alaafin and the Superior Head of Yorubaland cannot be erased from the pages of history.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our culture, heritage and arts must be preserved, not also not forgetting that every son and daughter of the Yoruba Nation must strive to be an outstanding “Omoluwabi””; an upright and well-nurtured individual in the community.

The Obaship and Traditional Institutions should not just care about rituals and traditional worship but should look inward and see how the land can be developed socio-culturally, morally, and in every way possible.

This must be done with diligence, respect and an open mind devoid of parochialism, recriminations, vendetta and nauseating propaganda.

Time and seasons have changed and in moving forward we have to create a flexible channel of communication to enable us to bridge the gap between the old ways and the new ways.