Prince Kayode Micheal Adewale Arimoro, one of the contestants for the stool of Owa Obokun, recently spoke with Gbenga Olumide on the reasons he went to court after the installation of Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun, his thoughts on what should be the priority of Ijesa leaders to move the town forward, among others. Excerpts:
What gives you the right to aspire for the stool of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland?
I am a descendant of Owa Ajibogun, the foremost Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. I am also a Prince from the Bilaro Oluodo Dynasty of Arimoro lineage, an authentic Ijesa son. I am a multidimensional professional with a strong background in Science, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Strategic Management. By providence, I studied in Nigeria and abroad. The experiences and exposures I acquired over a long period have made me a serial entrepreneur. I am passionate about my family background and the roles that my great grandfather, the iconic warrior, Arimoro, played in the defence of Ijesaland during the war. My desire has always been to see Ijeshaland prosper, to see every son and daughter of Ijesaland having limitless opportunities to contribute to the overall development of our land.
There were other contestants to the stool before Prince Haastrup was selected. Why do you consider yourself the most qualified candidate?
My life has been about people generally. I am not an incidental leader. I am committed to ensuring that all humans live above the globally acceptable human existence index.
In one of your recent comments, you faulted the processes and procedures by which Prince Haastrup was announced as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. Why?
The matter is simple. We belong to the same dynasty. The Haastrups have ruled twice. It was Arimoro who opened the doors for the Haastrups in the 1890s as they were matrilineal. No, Haastrup is supposed to be in contest this time as the law is generally about fairness and equal representation. Most importantly, the state government did not follow due process and the right procedure. Ifa chose me and if the right process is followed, I should be declared the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. Because they have not followed due process I went to court for a redress. However, my position, which has been in the public domain before I went to court, is that the whole process is illegal and an abuse of due process. We are supposed to have 13 kingmakers, but we have 12 now and one warrant chief to make up 13, of which only five voted. The process was wrong and executed hastily because of lapses in our legal framework as a country.
What is the way forward?
The way forward is to follow the due process in the selection and installation of Owa Obokun in line with the established tradition of Ilesa. This is for the court to decide. The truth will always prevail and this is why the court is the last option. As peace-loving family, we have advised our supporters to remain calm and obey the rule of law. Two wrongs do not make a right.
You have lived abroad for years. How close are you to the people of Ilesa community to earn their trust and confidence as their king?
Many people get this wrong. I lived and I’m still living most of my life in Nigeria. Yes, I travel a lot. Studies and work have availed me opportunities to spend most of my recent time in the United States of America. However, I come home a lot and have businesses in Ilesa and across Nigeria. I have a foundation that caters to the vulnerable. I speak my dialect very well and understand our tradition enough to be able to elevate our kingdom to the global stage. I also speak and write Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa fluently.
Can you lay claim to any community development project that you have done for Ilesa, including evidence of entrepreneurship?
Recently, I donated e-library to Ilesa Grammar School, books to Agunlejika High School, and extended potable water to the public in 2015, among others. I am the founder of Solitaire Foods, Vepo Clarity (a water bottling company), and The Kayode Michael Arimoro Foundation in Old Omi Eran road, Ilesa, Osun State.
You recently alluded to women and youths as part of your agenda. Can you explain?
Women and youths are key demographics. Most homes are women-driven, so empowerment to a woman is empowerment to the family. The youth are stakeholders. With most Ijesa youths being entrepreneurs, supporting them will grow our domestic products and make them realise their potential. The whole agenda for our youths is to empower them to develop their talents.
What is the place of Owa Obokun in Yoruba history?
Owa Ajibogun was the last son of Oduduwa. He helped heal his father by fetching omi okun (sea water) which prompted his father to give him the whole Ijesaland. The throne is that of an Imperial Majesty and a very strong force in Yorubaland.
What is your view on the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria?
Back in the old days, our forefathers knew almost every family, settled disputes, and ensured communal growth. Traditional rulers should help federal and state governments achieve their goals by ensuring that their constituents’ leaders implement whatever they are being funded. Strengthening the role of traditional rulers is equal to enhancing security, peaceful coexistence, accountability and stabilising the total apparatus of our states on a continuous basis.
As a Prince, have you ever thought you would be king one day? Why?
Incidentally, my friends and colleagues way back always referred to me as one. Probably, it is my way of life or they could see the blue blood flowing through my veins. On the soccer field in Massachusetts, my teammates called me ‘Your Majesty’. When I worked with Mr. Biggs, people would write ‘King of Biggs’ on my car. I believe it was destined from heaven.
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