I came to open up Erinmo to the world — Elerinmo

The Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Ajayi, (Arowatawaya II) was one of the royal fathers who graced the occasion of the unveiling of new Tribune masthead in Ikeja, Lagos. He told TUNDE BUSARI his perspective of the newspaper. Excerpts:

Can you tell me your impression about Tribune titles resulting in your presence at the unveiling ceremony?

Tribune is a newspaper of history; it is a paper with rich history in commitment to the masses’ welfare. And I can say it that it is the same commitment to the masses that makes the masses to stick to the paper till date. There is no doubt that Tribune is a grass root newspaper which reaches average member of the public. I grew up to know this paper, and being part of its unveiling can be considered a privilege because of the fact that other newspapers of his generation are no more in existence. With this, I am commending the effort of the board and management for nursing the paper to this old age. By November, it is going to be 70. This is not a mean feat. I am wishing the board and management all the best to take the paper beyond 70 and even 100.

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The media is passing through hard times, especially due to the rampage of social media. What type of future do you see in conventional media?

Honestly, this your question is a topic that bothers me all the time. I look at the trend and ask myself ‘How are the traditional media surviving?’ But I must say that despite the effect of the social media, there is still a room for traditional media to operate. All it takes is for the management to return to the drawing board and brainstorm to come up with suggestions and recommendations on ways to survive the tide. As far as Tribune is concerned, I believe there are some people out there who seem to have signed an oath to remain with hard copy of the paper. If you tell them they can read online edition, they reply you that online is not as good as flipping through pages of the papers.

Can we say these people are addicted to Tribune?

You can say that again. They are generally addicted to hard copy. With this set of public, there is future for the paper. But I must say it categorically that online medium is a threat and indeed a real threat because since human life in not static, technology is also dynamic. You would agree with me that technology has solved so many problems encountered in the past. There is no reason the media should be excluded from the spread of technology, and it is a positive development. But as the Boy’s Scout moto reads ‘Be Prepared.’ Traditional media must be proactive in their approach to the trend. Though I buy hard copy, I read online too, and find it easy, even though my data pays the price.

You have raised the name of your town with your regular appearance at social outings. Is this a deliberate policy to advertise Erinmo?

However you describe it, I am on the throne for a purpose; a clear purpose of making impact in my reign because history is recording my actions and inactions. Being conscious of this fact, I don’t need to wait for anybody to tell me how to project the image of Erinmo to the outside world. Every traditional ruler comes to the throne with a mission that aligns with his dream. Projecting the image of Erinmo is one of my mission statements on ascension to the throne, and I am happy that I am still on the track.

You are also noted for unique flowing attires at those functions. What informed this?

If you say my dressing is unique, I consider it a compliment. But you needed to have met me before I became the Elerinmo. I was not a bad dresser in any sense. I was always conscious of my appearance that would suit different occasions. And being a traditional ruler of a Yoruba town means I need to up it to suit my status. I must appear in attires which are royal; which are known with traditional rulers. I must not dress down in the public unless if it is necessary. For instance, If I have to attend a sporting event and I feel like identifying with the occasion, I can go in a complete track suit. But at social functions, I must wear full agbada completed with beads and other paraphernalia of the stool.

Last year, you won some awards including Yoruba Youth Royal Father of The Year 2018. How did you feel winning these awards?

Every award is an honour of recognition.’ it is a statement that you are being watched closely by some individuals and group of individuals. So, when they come, I receive them with joy with a view to encouraging the organisers. The one you mentioned is not an exemption. I thank the organisers for considering me worthy of the awards.

You also hosted some beauty queens in the palace. What does this symbolize?

It shows that Erinmo is being opened up to modernity. Beauty pageant is the in-thing in social world. It is a big social event which is respected world over even by corporate entities. Beauty pageant is a way to positively engage our youths. Do you know the number of contestants before screening? If you know the number, you would realise the fact that it attracts a good number of them. Their coming to Erinmo gave them opportunity to savour the beautiful landscape among other natural endowments given to us by God. I am happy to be a traditional ruler who is effectively combining traditional roles with modern roles. We have to move forward from the past. But this is not saying we should condemn our custom and tradition.

Your Christmas get together with kids in your time is an innovative event in the history of Erinmo. Why did you think of this?

Such gathering with kids is a reflection of where one is coming from. It is an opportunity for me to see myself in those kids. I want to encourage my fellow traditional rulers to always find time to be closer to the kids because they are going to outlive us. Today, we are living for them. They own the future. We have done our bit to be where we are. But nobody can say where these little boys and girls would reach in life. I was with them, not in full agbada but in a light shirt and trouser which, in itself, is a side attraction because they hardly see me in such wear. It is total fun watching them playing with one another under friendly atmosphere. You know these kids have no problems mixing with one another. The gathering is another form of creating bond among them. The memories will grow with them.

Your last Erinmo Day drew a large number of traditional rulers to your town. How did you achieve it?

Earlier you said that I was always seen at public functions. It means, I find it easy to attend events. What it implies is that others would always also like to attend my functions. I am grateful for the attendance of traditional rulers who came from Osun and other states. One of the essence of such event is to bring visitors to town. You could see that the field of St Peter’s Anglican Primary School where the event held, was filled by dignitaries and indigenes who were dressed in asoebi. It showed the extent of unity in the town. You could see the chiefs too in happy mood. There is nothing like unity. That is why you see me, a Christian, observing Muslim festivals at prayer ground. Wherever I am, I don’t miss it because I am the father of both Muslims and Christians, aside the traditionalists.