I came to Nigeria to take care of my mother but ended in the palace —Igbobi-Sabe’s monarch

The Oba of Igbobi-Sabe, Lagos State, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I) is an American returnee who did not lose touch with his culture and tradition. The outspoken monarch speaks with TUNDE BUSARI on the peculiarity of his Igbobi-Sabe domain as educational and economic hub in Yaba Local Council Development Authority. Excerpts:

 

Can you tell us about the origin of Igbobi-Sabe?

There are different versions of history as regards the question you asked and this is not peculiar with Igbobi-Sabe. That is one of the issues with oral tradition as a source of history. Anyway, Sabe, the founder of Igbobi-Sabe, a great hunter and great grandson of Oduduwa, migrated from Ile-Ife. I cannot be precise about the date but it must be in the 17th century. During the time of migration, Ifa oracle directed Sabe to proceed further after his siblings had settled at their different kingdoms. Ifa oracle instructed him not to stop until he sighted Igbo-Odu surrounded by Obi Edun trees. And when he arrived the spot, it was named Igbobi-Sabe. You can see now that the name of my town was derived from its geographical location. You would agree with me that this is the case in many other Yoruba towns.  Among his siblings are Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Olowu, Olowolotu Ife, Olora in Igbomina to mention but a few, They are all descendants of Olofin.

 

What do you think are the features of your domain?

There are other communities like Makoko, Iwaya, Abule-Oja, Abule-Ijesa in my domain. When you talk of Yaba generally, you talk of the educational hub in Nigeria. But to God be the glory because this grace, my town is blessed with, can only come from God. I also thank my forefathers who followed the directive of Ifa to settle at a location which today, has the highest number of government facilities.

 

Can you expatiate on this?

There is no other local government council in Nigeria that has as much of government presence as Igbobi-Sabe. The following are some of what I am talking about. National Orthopedic Hospital, the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, National School of Science and Technology, Nigeria Medical Library, Abati Barracks, Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Queens College, Igbobi College, West African Examination Council (WAEC) office near my palace and others. It may interest you to know that Yaba Tech is the first higher institution in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the first set of the University of Ibadan undergraduates were moved from Yaba Tech. Am I not blessed? If you look at all these from the economic perspective, you will realize that my domain’s contribution cannot be glossed over. For instance, travellers from the North, East and South converge here on a daily basis. This is where you have the terminus of many transport companies.

 

I am aware you were a successful computer engineer in the United States of America (USA). Why did you sacrifice your promising career for the palace?

It is more than sacrificing career. It is returning home to use my knowledge, my exposure and my vision to consolidate on what my town has over the years achieved. So, returning home to mount the throne is not by my power. It was what God had ordained. I want to make it clear to you that apart from my professional career, I was also first a senior evangelist and later Shepherd in the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC). I later joined the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Agbala Itura under Baba S.K. Abiara. I was an associate pastor in the church in Houston Texas before I returned home in 2008. I must also clarify that the need to take good care of my aged mother brought  me back home before the issue of Oba came up.

 

How convenient is it to combine your religious title with that of the throne as a custodian of custom?

I am no longer holding position in the church because of the demand of the palace. But I can tell you that there is nothing on the throne that bans me from practising my faith. The only thing is that I am open to other religions too because I am the father of all regardless of religious affiliation. For instance, I regularly attend NASFAT programme on invitation and enjoy being there.

 

I am interested in knowing how your installation day looked like. What can you recall of the day?

The day was November 30, 2013. It was an environmental sanitation exercise day. There was restriction of movement during the exercise until it was over at 10 am. But I was surprised that between 10 and 11 am, the venue was filled to the brim by my people and invited guests from all walks of life. It was a day to remember. That is why we marked the third year anniversary last year, 2016.

 

Why did you mark three years instead of waiting for five or 10 as it is generally done?

It is all about our understanding of things. In Yorubaland, third day, seventh day and 14th day are special as against five and 10 you mentioned. In Yoruba, these days are known as Ita, Ije and Erinla. My choice of the third year is based on our culture. But I don’t have anything against whomever choses to mark or celebrate his anniversary annually. It is all about thanking God for his love and protection in the past year.

 

How would you describe the anniversary?

It was a huge success. I called my friends and told them of my plan and allowed them to do all the arrangement without giving them money. I am happy to tell you that the committee headed by my friend, Otunba Dapo Ali-Balogun did very well. Otunba was supported by other very responsible fellows. They organised a great event and everybody saw and appreciated their effort. I am also using this opportunity to thank them for giving me such honour.

 

Traditional rulers and their marital status is an issue of public interest, what is your position?

I knew you would come to this, and I will educate you properly on it. I have to say it for the record that there is nowhere any traditional ruler is restricted to one wife or compelled to have many. Even when I was in Ipebi, I was not told to stick to one wife or go out and marry more. We have to get it clear because people tend to say that marital issue is one of the things we are taught at Ipebi. Polygamy was fashionable in the past because of the need of that age. I am not saying I have anything against it now. But there are so many traditional rulers who practise monogamy like myself.

 

If you were not tutored on marital issue at Ipebi, what were you taught there?

All we did in Ipebi is not meant for the public. But I can say it to you that ipebi is a place where code of conduct is read out to you to know your new status. It is a tutorial school about history, culture and tradition. For instance, there are things you were fond of doing which you must not do again on the throne. It is in ipebi you are taught all these.

 

Doesn’t the throne impose some restrictions on your lifestyle?

I love this question. I love it because it touches my person. Even though I was not looking forward to becoming an Oba, I lived a life that had already prepared me for the throne. My friends would attest to this. My social life was moderate so much that there were certain gatherings where you would not find are. There were also certain hours of the day, especially midnight, you won’t find me outside.

 

Can you say the last three years have met your expectation?

I still want to give credit to God. Today, I am a first class traditional ruler.  I funded the rehabilitation of some roads. About 124 students have also benefited from summer school. I am imploring sons and daughters of Igbobi-Sabe to return home and contribute their own quota to the development of the town.