Like every prince, you must have eyed the throne as a child. How far is this true?
It is not true that every prince eyes the throne. Of course, by right, every prince is entitled to the throne. Mind you, only one person eventually occupies the throne and the person must have been destined by God. It is not about power or influence or wealth. It is divine. That is how I see it. In my case, I did not eye the throne. I was just doing my things in my own way, concentrating on my career as a public servant, studying up to PhD level. I think I was happy with what I was doing than being engrossed with the ambition of becoming the Aare. But I was making myself available to the service of my town.
Could you then say you were a reluctant contestant when your predecessor passed on?
I should not use that word because using it might be an insult to my family who thought I was fit to be in the palace. With due respect to them and their faith in me, I was persuaded, pressured and dragged to the contest. 15 of us entered the race from only one ruling house. We have only one ruling house in Ago-Are. We are Edu royal family.
Then the process would have been smooth. Was it?
It was really because the regular competition was not there. In fact the kingmakers, six of them then, were transparent enough in the selection process. The local government officials were present. The police were present, the DSS was there too. They all witnessed the process that threw me up as the Aare-elect. The peaceful conduct of the process later earned the town an accolade. It was used as a benchmark for succession to the throne.
What did you observe actually gave you the edge over other contestants?
All I can say is that it was destined that I would be the next Aare after my predecessor had reigned for 39 years and nine months. I told you I was persuaded by my family at a family meeting headed by the Oloriebi. We held five meetings. It is destiny and nothing more. The more reason it is destiny is that my father contested against my predecessor and could not make it. After my predecessor emerged, my father served as his first secretary to show you the kind of love we have for the town. If you can deduce that nature promoted me to the throne, you may be right.
If you are much loved by your people, why did a report paint a different picture?
I should not dwell on this here because it is a matter I will deal with accordingly. We are law-abiding people. That is why I insisted on granting this interview in the presence of my people. When you entered the town, did you notice any trouble anywhere? Honestly, the people involved are only doing so to draw attention to themselves. If turning against the town is their choice, they should continue. But they should not invite the wrath of our ancestors on themselves. Everybody can testify to the support I gave my predecessor to succeed. This people realised that this is a new era. They realised that this new king cannot be manipulated and deceived for selfish interest. Then they must cry wolf where there is none. I can tell you that the town is not missing them. We are on course and nothing can stop us from this journey of breathing a new life into Ago-Are as a major town in Oke-Ogun.
What were you doing before the call to become the Aare beckoned on you?
I was the Director of Administration in the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) between 2011 till I became the Aare. I have a PhD in Education Management.
You mentioned the historical connection between Ago-Are and Oyo. Is the relationship subsisting?
Yes, we still have a good relationship with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi. There is no basis for doubting our cordial relationship with Oyo. The Alaafin is a father whom we respect as custom and tradition demand from us.
Can you recall the day of your coronation?
There are two days I will not forget for the rest of my life on my way to the throne. First was the day I entered the town after the announcement of my selection. On that day, January 17, 2016, I shed tears seeing so many people trooping out to welcome me. It was a huge crowd I never saw in my life. I was scared at a point. It was like I was in a dream land. From Baasi, a neighbouring community, people filled everywhere, trekking. The okada operators too lined up. In fact, it was a motorcade. That community is a few kilometres from here but it took us about three hours to reach my family compound. The second day was my coronation day on March 24, 2016. The deputy governor presented the staff of office on behalf of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The speaker of the House of Assembly was also in attendance. It was a grand occasion that assured me of a promising future. Ilufemiloye was not part of my name. My people added it to my names. What else should I look for except to always do what will make the people happy? And we have set the ball rolling for the needed transformation of the town.
Coming from such high office in Abuja where you were surrounded by the educated elite, you must be facing some challenges relating with your traditional chiefs. Is this true?
I am not facing any challenge relating with my chiefs. They are my people. We understand ourselves. We have a common goal to improve the town. So, we are all doing well in our responsibilities to the town. I run a transparent and all-inclusive administration. I listen to them a lot. The Abuja years are in the past. Today is the reality. And I am very happy for their understanding. I am in another era now and must do what it requires. I recall my friend in Ibadan protesting when I appeared casual in his residence. He is also a prince. He saw me and said ‘Kabiyesi, this is not right. You are no longer an ordinary person. You must live your status.’ I appreciated him. There is no doubting the fact that I miss my suits because before the government came up with the policy on dress code on Fridays, I was a suit and tie person. I was more comfortable in it. But that era has gone now. It won’t look good for a traditional ruler appearing in suit. Don’t forget he is the custodian of customs and traditions. He is the model so to say for his subjects. I am okay in my new attire.
Aren’t you also missing the upscale life in the federal capital territory?
Again, I am not missing anything because I am no longer the person who worked there. If I go to Abuja today, I go as the Are of Ago-Are, not the former Dr Kofoworola. This life is in phases. I am in a new phase now and there is no reason to look back again. What should be my business is how to move the town and my people forward using all resources, all contacts I have to achieve the vision.
Oke-Ogun generally is notorious for the escapades of herdsmen and particularly those from the north. How do you handle the problem?
It is indeed a sad development. It is sad for a farmer to till the land for a whole year and one day find he land destroyed by cows. But we are getting out of it now. I have had meetings with the leadership of the Fulanis and the meetings have thrown more light on the problems. I believe in interaction and sensitisation and these are yielding fruit now. The farmers and the Fulanis are relating well now, unlike before when some farmers relocated out of town because of the problem.
and then