In the ancient town of Otan-Ile in Osun State, there is an abomination which is binding on all sons and daughters of the town. Dog, a popular domestic animal, is a friend and indeed a helper of the town. Hence no one should kill, let alone prepare it for a meal. The history behind this unwritten law was told by the Owa Afole of Otan Ile, Oba Samuel Sunday Adegbemi Olatokun. In an interview by OLUWOLE IGE, the retired soldier-turned-monarch also speaks about social and economic developments so far experienced in his community since he ascended the throne among other sundry issues. Excerpts:
How many years have you spent on the throne of your forefathers?
I have been on this throne for the past 15 years
Almost 60 years, friends still live together, operate joint account, business
What were you doing as a profession before you became an Oba?
I was a combatant soldier in the Nigeria Army before I ascended the throne as Owa Afole of Otan Ile.
How many ruling houses do you have in Otan Ile community?
We have two ruling houses in Otan Ile, namely Libayan and Lesiowa ruling houses. I am from Libayan ruling house.
Since you ascended to this throne, what are the social and economic developments that have been recorded your community?
We thank the Almighty God for the social and economic developments that have been witnessed since I have been the traditional ruler in Otan Ile. We have succeeded in building the town hall in this community. We are currently constructing a new modern palace. The government is also helping us in putting in place basic infrastructures. The immediate past government of Governor Rauf Aregbesola constructed road for us here. We have also got a Police Post. Many indigenes of our community are building houses here, thus aiding infrastructural growth of Otan Ile. Some people have also built some private schools, which are also contributing to the educational development of our town.
What are the major challenges confronting your community that need the government’s attention?
We are craving for the establishment of industries in our community so that our youths can be gainfully employed. We have large expanse of land that can be used to site industries for local and foreign investors. We also need more schools and modern market and banks to boost the economy of Otan Ile. Besides, we are also in dire need of hospital to cater for the health needs of our people. We are pleading with the government to assist us in this regard. We appreciate what they have done. But, like Oliver Twist, we need more.
In this community, is there any taboo or things that are forbidden?
The only forbidden thing we have here is that any indigene of this community must not eat dog. It is a taboo. We don’t eat dogs here. If an indigene is given dog meat and he doesn’t know that it is dog meat, the meat would be falling off his hands. That is a sign that what he has in his hands is dog meat, which he must not eat.
Why is it forbidden for natives of Otan Ile to eat dog meat?
In centuries back, dog did good thing for us in Otan Ile. It happened about 13 centuries ago during the days of our forefathers. Our ancestor was a warrior and hunter. One day, he went on hunting expedition. The house he was living in was made of bamboo trees. His dog was at home after he had left for hunting. Unfortunately, there was fire outbreak in his palace and everything went up in flames. But, there was a baby laid on the bed inside the palace while the fire was raging. The dog struggled to carry the baby out of the fire and took him to a safe place beside the river.
When our ancestor came, he was worried about the baby. The dog went to the king and wagged his tail several times. The king followed the dog to where it kept the baby. That was how the dog saved the baby from being consumed by fire. The king was very happy by the good deeds of the dog and thought about what can be done to appreciate the dog. He then made it a rule that nobody should kill a dog to eat again in Otan Ile. They can only rear them and also use them for hunting. Anytime a dog dies, it would be buried like a human being.
What advice do you have for prominent indigenes of this community, regarding its development?
They should come home and invest to serve as a catalyst for the growth of Otan Ile. They should follow footsteps of their forbearers by contributing meaningfully to the development of this community. They should build houses in Otan and also assist in getting employment for our graduates and other jobless youths. They should also have the fear of God in whatever they do.
What are the contributions of Otan Ile Progressives Union (OPU) to the development of your community?
They have been trying their best, in terms of the socio-economic growth of the town. We have OPU branches in different states, but the OPU headquarters here is coordinating the activities of other branches. If we have any special project, the OPU members rally round to ensure the completion of such projects.
What are those things that you were doing before you became Oba that you can no longer do now; what are you are missing?
Before I became a king, I used to drink alcohol like beer. I socialised with my friends. But, since I ascended the throne, I don’t take alcoholic drinks again. To me, I think it is not ideal for a traditional ruler to be drinking alcohol. Now, I am closer to God than I used to be. My journey of life is ordained by God. Being close to God will give one direction and guidance to manage the affairs of the community.
Some people are clamouring for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country. What is your take on this development?
I am of the view that traditional rulers should be given constitutional roles because we are closer to the people at the grassroots. If we are given constitutional roles, it would enhance good governance and help to drive the policies of the government. We would take our people’s demands to the government, and this would help our leaders in identifying the needs of different communities and fashion out ways of addressing them.
The much-talked-about general elections would hold next month, what is your word for the people?
Our people should go out enmasse to elect leaders of their choice. They should have the fear of God because it is the beginning of wisdom. We must eschew violence and any other act that can disrupt the peace of our country.
What is the secret behind peaceful coexistence in Otan Ile?
The secret is prayer. We pray a lot here. Before the emergence of any king in Otan Ile, we normally pray to seek God’s guidance. I never thought I would become an Oba. But, God chose me. In this community, we usually hold prayer first Tuesday of every month. I remember that there was a time we had drought or delay in rainfall. We gathered both Muslim and Christian leaders for prayer and that same day, we had rain. We are farmers in this town, and rain is very critical to us for our crops.
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