The Onimeko of Imeko, Yewa, Ogun State, Oba Benjamen Oyeditan Olanite is a pastor and founder of Dominion Life Mission International, Incorporation. He made history in 2014 when he emerged as the Onimeko. In this interview by TUNDE BUSARI, he shares his experience on the throne.
How would you describe your journey from birth to the palace?
I was born on March 3, 1977 in Imeko, Yewa, Ogun State. That was just one year after the state was carved out of the former Western State in 1976. I attended ENLG primary school at Abule Peter in Imeko between 1984 and 1989 after which I gained admission into the Nazareth High School, Imeko in 1990. I completed my school and obtained a good result in the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1995. I took a break and continued my education in 1999 when I was offered admission by the Obafem Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. In 2004, I graduated with Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language. I then proceeded to Yobe State for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service. I served at Busari Local Government Area, Daptchi. Having completed the youth service scheme, I enrolled at the Redeemed School of Mission affiliated with Redeemer University for my post-graduate diploma in mission. That was in 2009. I also attended the Institute of Project Management in lbadan in 2014. I later worked at the State Teaching Service Commission in 2007 and was posted to Iwoye-Ketu Community High School, Iwoye-Ketu. I was transferred to the Community High School, Obolo and later Nazareth High School Imeko.
Is it safe to say you ended your teaching career at the same secondary school which produced you?
That is the truth. It was the way of the Lord. I did not know when I was a student in the school that I would return there as a teacher. It just happened and I accepted it as my little payback to the school that molded me as a young boy. It was more historic that I left the school to become the Onimeko. It is the design of God, which was not revealed to anybody. What this means is that truly nobody knows tomorrow as it is often said. It also means that the young ones should be conscious of what they do today because tomorrow is certain.
Does that mean you were conscious of your acts in the school then believing one day you would become the Onimeko?
That is not what I mean. How would I have thought I would become the Onimeko when I was not the only prince. The matter of who becomes what, especially the matter of obaship, is the prerogative of the Lord. It is only Him that enthrones. If He has created you to mount the throne, nothing can stop you from getting there. But if He says you are not there, nothing can push you there. It is the design of the Lord as I said earlier. I think that was what happened in my case. But as a student in the school, I was focused because I knew being focused was what I needed to make it in life. It is also what everybody needs to make it.
How did you become a pastor?
As I said earlier, everything belongs to God including all of human beings, His creatures. There is nothing we do without His approval. Whatever He does not support will not get through. I became a pastor because that was what He ordained me to become. And as I speak, I am happy that God made me so. I am happy that God put my foot on that path. I served at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Aworo, Imeko RCCG, Abule Peter and RCCG, Owode after which I founded Dominion Life Mission international Incorporation.
You attended the thanksgiving service of one of your illustrious sons and made a moving speech at the occasion. How important was the occasion to you?
The event was very important to me in that it symbolised the progress of my children. If you observed me on that day, you would notice I was very delighted. I was because it was my town’s event. It showed that Imeko is moving up. The occasion afforded me the opportunity to encourage my sons and daughters to come back home and contribute their quota to the development of the town. I am happy for Major General Bamidele Matthew Shafa for making me proud and making the entire sons and daughters including our progenitors proud. I pray for more success for him.
How can you describe your ascension to the throne?
Let me put it this way. One with God is a majority. I was already a pastor when the issue came and I prayed fervently over it. I asked the Lord that His wish be done over the matter. And because He is just God who always does the right, He did it. Right from the beginning, I did not and still don’t believe in a do-or-die thing. I am driven by God’s instruction. After my prayer, I don’t look back because I know God has a listening ear and he does answer my prayer. Before you embark on anything, commit to prayer and see how it will turn out to be.
I have a reservation on your being a pastor and traditional ruler who, by obligation, is the custodian of the traditional heritage of the people. How do you balance the two roles?
I want to tell you categorically that none of the roles overlaps. None disturbs the other. I perform the two well. Till date, I still preach in the church. What is important is that one must have the fear of God in whatever he or she does. The fear of God helps one to organise himself well as far as your question is concerned. I don’t need to personally perform some traditional functions. There are people in charge of them. What is really required from me is provision of necessary things, in terms of fund. I am okay with the two roles. You would agree with me too that there are other traditional rulers who are also pastors. It is progress. It means we are moving forward. Once there is understanding of the dynamism of the world, issues like this will not be difficult to address. I am delightful and my people are happy too. I should also remind you that the position I am occupying does not discriminate against any religion. I am the father of all. So I must always be seen as such.
Did your coronation day meet your expectation?
Which expectation are you referring to? Coronation is not about the person being given staff of office. It is all about the town. So, there is no need to personalise it. It was a successful event that has occupied a special place in the history of Imeko.
What is your vision for the town?
Whatever vision I have for the town must be carried out with the people of the town. It is difficult for a traditional ruler to administer his town alone. It must be a collective effort of other members of the community. I am happy that we are on the track already. We are coming up with Imeko Development Council. It is high time we all woke up to the reality that each town needs to first hit the ground running before the government comes in. What I mean is that governments these days have too many works to do. It means we should not wait until the government comes before we develop our town. But this does not mean we are not expecting the government to perform its obligation for us. I just realise that towns these days do initiate projects and fund them. Imeko is a great town and we shall reach that greatness.
Is the palace not boring for you being an energetic person?
The palace cannot be boring because it is a place where its door is not closed. It is meeting upon meeting on a daily basis. This makes the palace busy. And it also helps me to develop myself. My pastoral experience is also always helpful.
and then