Your coronation anniversary is two months away. How prepared are you for the event?
It is good that you are following the development in my town. The anniversary will come and go. But what is most important is moving my town forward. Of course, we are going to mark the anniversary but we may not roll out the drums because we should not be insensitive to the current situation in the country.
Some weeks ago, you and the Aragberi visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi. Much was not heard about the visit. Was it deliberate or the visit was private meeting with the Alaafin?
If it was a private meeting, would you have learnt about it? That you are aware of the visit means it was an open secret, which had a photographer in attendance. And when you have a photographer at such a visit, it means you cannot control the coverage of the visit. I am telling you with every sense of responsibility that we visited Baba Alaafin in the open.
What was your mission to him?
Let me say it was a dual mission. It was like we used one stone to kill two birds. If you can remember that the Akesan Market was gutted by fire recently before the 49th coronation anniversary of the Alaafin. And we could not make it to Oyo then. We decided to go to commiserate with him on the unfortunate incident and also congratulate him on his 49th coronation anniversary.
What did you tell him?
What do you tell your host in that circumstance? I just said it that we commiserated and congratulated him. That must have answered the question.
Wasn’t there private talk?
There was nothing private in our discussion. The highpoint of it was that we used the opportunity to listen to Baba Alaafin. I know you know that when he speaks, the best thing is to listen because he speaks with authority on any issue you table before him. Despite the fact that the time of our visit was not comfortable for him, he honoured us when he eventually came out.
What specifically did he tell you?
He told us what we require as traditional rulers. For him to have reigned for 49 years, he is an authority on the throne already. So, we were there seated, listening to him like students. He is so comfortable reeling out names, events and dates. It was a memorable visit.
I have heard different things about the Yoruba ethnic group, in terms of strength and weakness? What is your opinion on this?
I keep saying it that we are blessed as Yoruba ethnic group. Fortunately, this blessing is known to other ethnic groups even beyond Nigeria. Unfortunately, we don’t have accurate assessment of ourselves, hence we often find ourselves in situations where you would wonder how we find ourselves in such situations. Before I returned home to be the Oloba, I had held leadership positions among members of Yoruba socio-cultural groups in the diaspora and knew the respect which our convergence attracted to us. You needed to be there when we were holding our activities, you would definitely be proud of your origin. In terms of our culture, which of course, is the soul of human existence, we rank among the best. What we wear, what we eat, and how we address ourselves and even how we address others with respect, make the Yorubas a unique tribe. Go to any airport and see how our traditional attires become a cynosure of all eyes. You see these white looking at you with admiration and you would feel on top of the world that you belong to a popular ethnic group.
But aren’t you worried that the same rich culture is suffering in the hands of foreign cultures, especially those from the West?
The issue is a cause for concern. The erosion is becoming alarming when you hear the quality of music in vogue now among our youths, even among the old. It is disgusting and indeed disappointing that the old who are supposed to be corrective are also losing it. But as a traditional ruler who is a custodian of this culture we are talking about, we will not fold our arms and watch. At every gathering, we must ensure we emphasised on why we must not allow our culture to be insulted. We must say enough is enough. We must impress it on parents to leave good legacies behind for their children who will take after them. We should tell them that we can use foreign items without losing ours. But in honestly, the Yorubas have a role to play in global development. If we are not contributing anything, we would have no control over what we are talking about. We must use our culture to be relevant to the contemporary world, and I want to commend our performing artists who are doing us proud in the diaspora.
Is unity a question we should be struggling with today?
Yes, unity of the Yoruba is key to our development and relevance in contemporary world. What happens to a divided house? We may not sleep and face the same direction. We are civilized beyond that level. But we can always be unanimous on more sensitive issues which have to do with the welfare of the entire Yoruba race.
Are you talking of issues like the Amotekun security outfit?
You have read my mind right. As a journalist, what have you observed about Amotekun?
I want to know your observation because you have access to all sides of issues.
Okay, you could see Amotekun publicly uniting the entire Yoruba states. Despite the fact that one state is in the opposition party, the state plays down politics and joins others to form a united front on Amotekun. This is how it should be. This is one of the sensitive issues I was talking about. The effect of the unity is seen outside the South-west states. Other states in the country then began to feel the strength of the Yorubas.
Does this translate to your support for the security initiaitive?
You can say that again. I am in support of it, and I can articulate my position anywhere. Don’t forget that the issue which brought about the Amotekun is security. In a situation whereby security is threatened, nothing, no development can take place. Yet, we all talk of development and investment. How many foreign investors would want to put their capital where they are not sure of a return on their investment? We are on the right track with this outfit, and we are going to record success when it is fully implemented.
There is this fear that Amotekun would be politicised. What is your take on this?
That is where we need to advise those who may want to reduce such a serious issue of survival to politics. My joy is that the governors, through their pronouncements and comportments, have shown high level of sincerity in ensuring the Amotekun sails through. If you see the governors, you won’t know they are not all from the same political party. This is enough to allay any fear of turning the outfit to political engagement.
Are you satisfied with the role which traditional institution has so far played on the security outfit?
Why won’t I be satisfied when you see Baba Ooni standing tall on his feet and making case for it. What we are witnessing is a forward movement which we ought to have made before now. We should not say because we are not victims of banditry and kidnappers and say it won’t happen. The situation was turning hopeless when these criminals operated in broad day light. But with this new effort, we are on course, and we are all positive that the end of that problem is in sight when Amotekun takes off.