Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, will lead other dignitaries at the 90th birthday anniversary of an elder statesman and Baale of Ekotedo, Chief Taiye Ayorinde.
Other dignitaries expected to attend include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; the Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; the Alajawa of Ajawa; lawmakers; local government chairmen; and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland.
Elder Ayorinde has been involved in several television programmes and plays, including Village Headmaster, Saturday Square, and Omonide, his personal play that premiered at the Royal Festival Hall in London. This achievement made him the first African to showcase his work at this prestigious venue.
Elder Ayorinde holds various traditional titles, including the Baale of Ekotedo and Chairman of the Association of Traditional Baales of Ibadanland. He has also held leadership roles, such as Chairman of the Yoruba World Congress International’s 11-man Interim Governing Council.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan at a press conference ahead of his 90th birthday celebration, scheduled to hold on 29th March 2025, Ayorinde, who is the Baale of Ekotedo, said activities lined up for the event include a drawing competition between schools, where scholarships will be awarded to winners, as well as table tennis and football competitions, among others.
Speaking on the role of traditional rulers in governance, Ayorinde called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance structure, stating that their proximity to the grassroots makes them effective intermediaries between the government and the people.
According to him, by assigning constitutional roles to traditional rulers, Nigerians can tap into their wealth of experience and knowledge of local customs and traditions.
He stated that traditional rulers have played significant roles in Nigeria’s governance and continue to wield considerable influence in their communities, making them valuable assets in promoting peace, security, and development.
He noted that by harnessing the strengths of traditional rulers, Nigeria can create a more inclusive and effective governance system that truly serves the needs of its people.
He said, “What you call democracy today has been happening before independence and the introduction of this democratic system. I think we need to go back to the days when democracy was formed by the traditional rulers.
“Why is it that some of the traditional rulers are not made part of the government? Why? Some of us are better off than those ruling us.
“Most of those ruling us in the political arena know nothing about governance; they know nothing about how to govern people. They know nothing about human relations and public relations. You have to combine these two in ruling and making your judgement. Our forefathers knew enough about human feelings.”
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