By The Nigerian Voice Newspaper, South Africa Apr, 25 2024 | 14:10:42
For the first time in my two
decades of residing in South Africa, I had the privilege of witnessing a unique
celebration of Yoruba culture. The coronation of chieftaincy titles to Yoruba
sons and a South African lady married to a Nigerian was presided over by HRH,
Oba Olabode Victor Taiwo Thomas Fagbayi (MICMC), the Onitigbo of Tigbo-Ilu
Kingdom, Awori Land, Ogun State. Unlike the usual coronations we witness in
South Africa, this event offered a different unpleasant perspective.
The Chieftaincy Coronation
occurred on Sunday, 21 April 2024, at the Voortrekker monument in Groenkloof,
Pretoria. The Yoruba men (Yoruba Demons), known for their impeccable style,
showcased their traditional attire, while the women adorned colourful auto
geles (headties). Upon arrival, memories of lively Owambe parties in Nigeria
flooded my mind, and I eagerly anticipated the delicious Jollof Rice, Efo Riro,
and Pounded Yam. I was not disappointed. Reconnecting with old friends and
familiar faces made the experience even more enjoyable for me, my wife, and my
daughter.
I extend my heartfelt
congratulations to all the newly crowned chiefs who may not have received
personal well-wishes on the day. While reflecting on the event, I couldn't help
but feel that the traditional father's decision to withhold certain festivities
from his kingdom was a missed opportunity for communal joy and traditional
customs associated with chieftaincy coronations."
One of the statements made by the
traditional father during his opening remarks did not sit well with me.
Firstly, as a Yoruba Prince from the highly recognized kingdom of Isale Eko
(Lagos Island) in Yorubaland. Secondly, as an Omoluabi with dignity. Thirdly,
as an individual who respects and holds traditions in high regard, regardless
of culture, ethnicity, or clan.
The statement that stood out to
me was when he said, 'As a Traditional Father and King, the only thing I have
to sell is chieftaincy titles. Just like medical doctors sell injections, or
teachers sell books, we traditional fathers sell chieftaincy titles. It is my
right to sell chieftaincy titles to people.' This gave me pause. I believe that
selling chieftaincy titles solely for personal gain is not in line with the
values of a true leader. Bestowing such titles should be about promoting
development, and benefiting the kingdom, and its people. The Obas should know
that Chieftaincy titles are not and should not be for sale. Chieftaincy Titles
are bestowed on great sons and daughters of the kingdom who have achieved significant
milestones in life, business or career. Also to outsiders who have contributed
to the development of the kingdom in one way or the other. I encourage the new
Chiefs to visit Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom in Awori Land, Ogun State, to actively
contribute to the community's development and not just add the name Chief
before their names for social reasons in South Africa.
During the event in Pretoria,
seven chieftaincy titles were conferred, namely:
Otunba Bobatolu of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom
Otunba Ataiyese of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom
Aare Bibire of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom
Jagunmolu Odo of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom
Agba Akin Asoludero of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom
Olu Omo Bobatolu of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom
Yeye Aaare Ajaga of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom
Let us leave the Pretoria
coronation behind, as I have mentioned the two flaws that should not be
overlooked. It is worth noting that the chieftaincy titles carried the names of
his kingdom, which is commendable, therefore they can be held accountable in
the future.
Now, let's shift our focus to Cape
Town, in the Western Cape, where a questionable Chieftaincy Coronation also
occurred on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The event was presided over by another
Oba (King), Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Taofeek Akande Morenigbade Oyeboade, the
Olukoyi of Ikoyi kingdom in Osun State. This coronation followed the one in
Pretoria the day before.
This coronation event, which can
be seen as a joke, should be condemned by all well-meaning Yoruba sons and
daughters in South Africa and worldwide. True Omoluabis, who respect and honour
authentic traditions, should not support such actions. Western Cape is not a
Yoruba kingdom or enclave, so there is no justification for attempting to
establish authority there. As diaspora members in a foreign land, we must be
mindful not to offend the residents. It's important to remember that we are
guests and should act accordingly, respecting the traditions and cultures of
the land. Yoruba people should not engage in unnecessary competition with other
ethnic groups. We should not use the actions of others as an excuse to follow
suit. Instead, we should uphold our values and traditions with integrity.
Take a look at the amount of
Chieftaincy given out, and the names of Chieftaincy confirmed in Cape Town:
Chief Asiwaju of Western Cape
Bashorun of Western Cape
Akile of Western Cape
Agba Akin of Western Cape
Chief Mayegun of Western Cape
Chief Odofin of Western Cape
Chief Ojo Adaode Awise of Western Cape
Chief Jagunna of Western Cape
Chief Akeweje of Western Cape
Chief Majekobaje of Western Cape
Chief Ba'la of Western Cape
Chief Baba Loja of Western Cape
Chief Asoludero of Western Cape
Chief Borokini of Western Cape
Chief Are Alasa of Western Cape
Chief Arole Yoruba of Western Cape
Amir Muslim of Western Cape
Chief Parakoyi of Western Cape
Chief Erelu of Western Cape
Chief Iyalaje of Western Cape
Chief Iyalode of Western Cape
Chief Yeye Oge of Western Cape
Chief Atayese of Western Cape
Chief Amuludun of Western Cape
Chief Iyalaje of Worcester Olayemi
Chief Baba. Egbe of Worcester
On second thoughts when I looked
at the event in Cape Town I realised why the ridiculous statement of the
Chieftaincy Title being for sale was made. It was very evident in the Western Cape
event that we were desecrating the very cultures and traditions that the day
was pretending to celebrate. 27 Titles in one day?
In honour of Honorable Obahiagbon (Big Grammar
Honorable) this was a gargantuan egregious display of disregard for our
tradition. I hope the gods don’t display their mercurial anger on the titleholders.
This has to be checked by our royal fathers at home so that we are not
brandished as a people without a history or culture.
With the abundance of titles in a
single day in a foreign land, one may ponder whether the Yoruba people in Cape
Town hold a deep reverence for tradition, seek the prestige of being called a
chief, or simply have a strong commitment to community service. If indeed their
actions stem from a genuine passion for community service, I would suggest that
they consider joining established National, Yoruba, State, Local Government, or
Village Associations. If none align with their values, they could consider
forming a new association to contribute positively to the community or perhaps
register a non-government organisation (NGO) to give back to the people.
It is imperative that the Yoruba
Traditional Council, along with dedicated individuals of Yoruba descent who are
intent on upholding and respecting Yoruba heritage, advise the Obas to uphold
the dignity and honour of Yoruba Obaship and chieftaincy titles.
The writer Olaniyi Thevoice
Abodedele, a Prince from Isale Eko, Lagos Island, stands as one of the proud custodians
of the esteemed Eyo Orisha Agere of the Adamu Orisha Play of Lagos Island. He
proudly traces his lineage as a direct 11-generation descendant of the Oba of
Lagos from the Adele-Ajosu/Kapo Aro lineage of Erelu Iku Tewon and that of Oba
Kosoko. Additionally, he serves as a Nigerian Community Engagement Strategist,
the Publisher of the Nigerian Voice Newspaper in South Africa, the Chairman of the
Nigeria Community Excellence Award in South Africa, and the Chairman of the
Nigeria Union (NUSA) in Gauteng.
Gbenga Otegbayi Apr 25, 2024 | 15:55PM
This is very shocking and annoying. All the hungry Obas that are just after money will cause disrespect for our culture. When we are even happy and saying the Yoruba are not like our Igbo brother having Igwe's all over South Africa.
Why would any reasonable person even want a chieftaincy title in South Africa or want to be called Otunba of Western Cape?
Chief for what? To impress South African ladies abi. We don suffer. Songo please come and save us.
Dansaki Yele Alemede Apr 25, 2024 | 15:12PM
It is indeed a shameful act of lack of respect for NOT only the Yoruba tradition but to our host communities. This is reckless and must be condemned. This issue must also be escalated to the constituted authorities in Yoruba land especially the Ooni of Ife. Weldone my brother Niyi for bringing this to our attention.
Hammed Apr 26, 2024 | 15:21PM
Let me correct you on your write-up regarding Egbe Omo Yoruba Western Cape chieftancy event, firstly the chieftancy was a honorary honour that was awarded to some distinguished members of Egbe Omo Yoruba Wwestrn Cape, please note that certificates and staff of office was presented to each awardees by the Chairman of the Egbe and not by any Kabiyesi. Hence one of the title reads:
Asiwaju Egbe Omo Yoruba Western Cape and not Asiwaju of Western Cape as proclaimed by you.
All the 3 Kabiyesi that was present on that day were guest of honour and royal fathers of the day and nothing more. Even Onirisa was invited to the same occasion but he could not attend due to other prior engagement.
Please note that any King giving out any chieftancy title will attach his kingdom to such title as done last week Sunday by Onitigbo of Tigbo-Ilu kingdom as it’s their right to do so if they so wishes without seeking any mandate or approval from anyone.
Pls stop practising lazy journalism by putting up a write-up based on rumours instead of applying due deligence and calling on organisers of the event to get their side of the story before going public with your write-up. You could have saved yourself the embarrassment of being an agent of misinformation.