At anniversary coronation, Onpetu calls for restructuring of traditional institution

It was, indeed, a time for celebration in Ijeru land as people trooped en-masse into the community for week-long festivities to commemorate 20 years on the throne of Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, Lagbami Osekun III, Onpetu of Ijeru Kingdom from December 13 to 18, 2019.

The ceremony was filled with pomp, especially during the grand finale at the Methodist Basic School, Arowomole, Ogbomoso where an installation ceremony took place Engr Dotun Sanusi and his wife were installed as Aare Atayese and Yeye Aare Atayese of Onpetu Kingdom.

To put history in perspective, there was also the launch of a book on the history of Oba Onpetu and the Olu-Oje descendants in Yorubaland. The book is the English version of ‘Tokuloje.’

However, as a man passionate about development and ensuring things run smoothly in the society, the anniversary was not just about wining, dining, dancing and entertainment; issues that affect the nation were also discussed and Oba  Oyediran during the event urged the Oyo State government to restructure the traditional institution in the state as, according to him, the present structure is clumsy and not well defined. He added that the failure to restructure traditional institutions, over time, had given room for unnecessary bickering and litigations across the institution in the state.

According to him, as at today, there is no known law regulating the issue of chieftaincies aside the 1978 law, and the current structure of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state is not standing on any foundation or law as the white paper on which 1998 gazette is standing has been destroyed.

“Let us take a critical look at the following:  the last inquiry into the issue of prescribed authority popularly known as Oloko inquiry was done in 1993-1996. Apart from the unilateral revocation of the gazette of the white paper by one time governor of Oyo State, the report itself is obsolete and calls for a review.

“The present structure of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state is not standing on any foundation or law as the white paper on which 1998 gazette is standing is destroyed.  That is, Gazette Vol.27 no 26 of 1996. I am calling on your Excellency to look into this,” Oba Oyediran stated.

The Onpetu further called on the state government to as a matter of necessity, revise and re-access her relationship with Ijeru land and its people since Ijeru which covers a huge land mass and has a huge population is treated like a minor part of Ogbomoso land.

“Though we are generally addressed as part of Ogbomoso and our land falls under Ogbomoso South local government area, this local government comprises majorly Onpetu’s domain,” he said.

The serious issues discussed at the event did not, however, change the festive aura or aim of the festivities which was to appreciate God whom the Onpetu acknowledged as the king of all kings that had been his support in his 20 years of reign as king over the people of Ijeru in Onpetu Kingdom.

The ceremony had a powerful delegation of government representatives and the crème de la crème of the traditional institution in the South-West, including the representative of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and his wife; the Olubadan of Ibadan, royal fathers from Ogun, Kwara and Osun states, Yoruba elders, Industries of chiefs, religious leaders and politicians from different political affiliations.

Activities that made up the week-long programme include special jumat service at Oja-Oba Central Mosque, praise and testimony night, Prayer walk round the town for Nigeria, Oyo State, Ijeruland and Ogbomoso at large, special Sunday service at all churches in Ijeruland, film show by Ore-Ofe Williams, distribution of free bibles, cultural day and the grand finale which was a potpourri of activities; cultural display by various cultural groups, recitation of oriki of Onpetu progenitors, among other activities.