Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in commemoration of his eighth coronation anniversary speaks with MONICA TAIWO, on his experience as king, what he misses, death rumour and plans for his people. Excerpts:
How did you feel when you received the news of your sickness and demise not too long ago?
Obviously, I was surprised. A living soul cannot be dead. I was away overseas with my wife on holidays. People close to me called my immediate family members to confirm what they heard. And those who could call me did to confirm. Of course, I told them I am hale and hearty. I went out of the country on holidays to rest. I have worked and I believe I deserved some recreation and rest. All work and no play they say, makes jack a dull boy. I have done my bit of hard work and I deserve to rest. It was a surprise though, but I wasn’t shocked because I am alive, hale and hearty. I only instructed my close family and relations to debunk the rumor and calm my people down. This however, did not make me cut my holidays short, I returned when I should. My people saw me when I returned and were happy. Only those who wished me otherwise were ashamed.
What in your opinion could be responsible for this type of rumor peddling?
A function of some idle minds I think; an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. We are all human and you cannot be loved by all because anyone who loves you will not wish you evil talk less of wishing you dead. Even Jesus Christ during his time on earth, was not loved by everyone; Judas Iscariot was close to Jesus, yet he betrayed Him. The rumor was definitely started by those who felt they needed something to distract the attention of my people in Ugbo land. That wasn’t the first time such was peddled, but every time they say things like this, God always proves Himself mighty. Sincerely, I am not bothered, because my life in all entirety is in God’s hands.
It has been eight years since you ascended the throne of your forefathers, how has it been?
I will gladly say it has been God all the way. Eku ke bi eku, eiye ke bi eiye. To the glory of God there has been no calamity in our land. God has been faithful to Ugbo land, He has been faithful to me personally and to my family; I bless God.
How have you been able to use your expertise and experience as a successful businessman to develop your people and Ugbo land?
I have tried what I can within my means. I am only a traditional ruler; a royal father, so there is not much I can do. I, like all other Nigerians, implore the federal and state governments to do more for us. I am an Ugbo man to the core and I grew up here. I am aware of the richness and the goodness of our land in terms of mineral resources. It was Ifa that asked my forefather, Obamakin Osangangan to proceed and settle here because what we are going to live on till eternity is here and believe me so it is.
Ugbo is a beautiful place and I am asking all and sundry to come and see. As a people, we are doing our best to attract investors and tourists to the land, but of course we still need government’s assistance and attention here. I mentioned earlier that I grew up here and that is why my greatest concern is for the youth in the land. I have a foundation, Oba Akinruntan Foundation (OAF), through which we help youths with little funds towards their education, and those who are interested in vocational training get funds to help them.
This is not the only thing the OAF does, for me, health is wealth and only a healthy man or woman can look for a means of livelihood. The OAF also does periodical health care check up for the people of Ugbo, during which simple ailments like malaria and de-worming for children and adults are done. Other health issues are referred to the general hospital and the bills paid. The OAF has some partners helping us especially in the area of drugs. We also assist women with soft loans to trade and help in entrepreneurship.
As a king there are some things you cannot do again, what are these things and do you miss them?
The Olugbo throne is a revered one, just like the throne of every Oba in Yoruba land. I am a free thinker and I love my freedom, don’t get me wrong, I am not in chains now but of course there are things you cannot do as a royal father. If you want to know what I missed most; it is the fact that I cannot stop by the road side when I am driving along to buy roasted plantain, boli and groundnuts. I love these two snacks and I cannot resist where ever and whenever I see very good ones on display. Either I am in the car with my driver or I am driving alone, I will stop and sometimes even sit and eat while chatting with the seller; sincerely, I missed that so much and the fact that these days, I just can’t pick my car and drive myself to anywhere. I must respect the gods and my crown.
You are known to be a power dresser, which of your accessories can you not do without?
Before I became the Olugbo, you can’t catch me without my wristwatch. I love wristwatches and I wear good ones and also my diamond rings. Now as the Oba of Ugbo, it is my diamond beaded crown.
What has been the most difficult issue for you as the Olugbo?
As the Lord liveth, there has been no difficult situation for me as the Olugbo. God is my rock and my backbone. Sitting on the Olugbo stool is by His dictates and He has been my guide. I have no problems with my subjects and vice versa. Because I have made God my shield, I know there won’t be any difficult issue in Ugbo land.
It’s a new year as Olugbo, what do you have to tell your subjects?
As always, I want them to be law abiding citizens of our great nation Nigeria. There is this saying, “think of what you can do for America and not what America can do for you” they should always think of what they can do for their father land; Ugbo first and also Nigeria in general and not the other way round. When we all have this in our minds, great things will begin to happen in our land and country at large.
and then