“My Responsibility as an Oba (King) is to sell Chieftaincy Titles” - HRH Oba Olabode Victor Taiwo Thomas Fagbayi (MICMC).

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.