It is sad that Yoruba traditional rulers are not united —Sabiganna

Oba Saliu Oyemonla Azeez, Ayefemiloye 1, the Sabiganna of Iganna Kingdom in Oyo state is a graduate of English Language from the University of Ibadan. In this interview by YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, he speaks on unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, the constitutional roles of rulers, peace keeping among other issues.

Do you believe there is unity between traditional rulers in the South-west?

Truthfully, my answer to that question is No. Realistically speaking, there is no unity amongst the traditional rulers in the South-west and this is most unfortunate. The seed of discord was planted by the First Republic politicians in the South-west and it is crystal clear that the crisis is not sparing the political class either. In an attempt to arrest this ugly trend, the Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committee was initiated by His imperial Majesty Oba Fredrick E.O Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugboland, a committee which my humble self is the scribe some years ago. The committee has been working round the clock in charting a united course for traditional institutions in the South West in the best interest of the progress and development of the Yoruba as a race.

What do you feel about the recent intertribal crisis in Ile Ife?

I believe it is very unfortunate to experience such an ethnic clash at this time in our history when our country is in dire need of stability and national integration. I believe this could have been prevented if properly managed.  However, the security agents are to be commended for being proactive in putting the senseless carnage to a halt before extensive damage is done.

Are traditional rulers adequately recognised by government?

No. And it is not an understatement to say that the traditional rulers, most especially in the South-west are not accorded the rights and honour they deserve from the government.

What roles do you think traditional rulers should be assigned by government?

Well, in my humble opinion, traditional rulers should be given some constitutional roles as fathers and custodians on advisory duties. This will bridge the gap between the government and the governed; I believe this because it will go a long way in boosting public confidence in government policies and programmes and allow the people have a say in issues that concern them.

When did you ascend the throne and what development has the town witnessed within this period?

To the glory of God and service to humanity, I will clock eight years on the throne of my forebears on the fifth of May, 2017. I have every cause to be grateful to Eledua for His compassion and mercies on me. So far so good, my reign has witnessed unprecedented social, infrastructural and economic development of Iganna Kingdom. No natural or artificial disasters were recorded and the community is expanding geometrically in terms of physical developments. We have two additional secondary schools and additional primary schools have been established; there are two ultra modern markets – Olorunda food crops market and Olorunda Cattle market. The waterworks project is nearing completion and the creation of Iganna Local Council Development Authority by the Oyo state government is a welcome development.

Also, we have almost completed the divisional police headquarters, there was the construction of a mosque in my palace, the construction of a modern event centre, there were various empowerment programmes for the youths and widows and the Oyo state Government ensured the construction of a modern bridge over the Ofiki Rivers and also constructed a General Hospital. The government further tarred some township roads and there was the construction of a Post Office by Iganna Patriots, there was the establishment of AIBIO microfinance bank among so many improvements to the town.

Under my watch as the permanent chairman of Iwajowa Local Government Traditional Council, five members were elevated from minor chieftaincy (part 111) to recognised chieftaincy (part11). A stabilisation account was created where we save 10% of our monthly    allocation and through this account cars were bought for nine members of the council. To sustain peaceful co-existence between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen, a council of Seriki Fulanis was inaugurated to hold meetings monthly and brief the traditional council during our plenary session of the proceedings of their meeting for further necessary actions. Salaries and allowances are paid promptly and above all, I thank God that peace has been reigning during my time.

What is the role of traditional rulers in peace keeping?

Traditional rulers are natural arbiters and crisis managers. The gates of palaces are ajar and open to all 24 hours every day. This is for subjects to lodge complaints on any issues and we mediate on issues ranging from land disputes to marital disputes, farmers/Fulani herdsmen crisis and any other menace that may undermine the peace and stability of the community

What is the economic strength of your community, what is your community known for?

Iganna Kingdom is the major town of Iwajowa Local Government and because of this, we have the highest population and in that zone, we are leaders in internally generated revenue for the government. Our major strength is the Charcoal; we are known for charcoal and traditional herbal products.