The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has expatiated on a letter he recently wrote to the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
According to him, the letter, in which he called on Fayemi not to disrespect traditional rulers in the state, is like one going from a father to a son.
The letter came after the Fayemi government issued a query to 16 top monarchs in the state, accusing them of shunning their responsibilities, especially by not attending state functions.
The query, coming on the heels of the 16 boas’ refusal to accept the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti as the traditional rulers council, came at a time that the deposition of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, former Emir of Kano State, was causing ripples.
It was also interpreted to be the beginning of a possible dethronement in Ekiti.
While the Alawe-led council has also attacked the Alaafin, through a letter signed by the Alawe, Oba Adeyemi said on Saturday that he intervened in the matter because he is the custodian of yoruba culture.
He said: “I wrote that letter because I am the Alaafin and my voice is the voice of the Yoruba. I am in the best position to guide and advise the government especially on matters affecting Yoruba culture and tradition. Alaafin is the supreme custodian of the culture and tradition.
“Alaafin is duty bound to come in on any cultural matter that arises in Yorubaland. The Pelupelu arrangement in Ekiti State is an ancient system that empowers and gave class to 16 traditional rulers over other Obas in Ekitiland. The position and roles of the 16 Obas are sacrosanct.
“The bone of contention is that any Oba outside the 16 cannot be chairman of traditional council in Ekiti State.
“We have to remind Governor Kayode Fayemi that the Pelupelu system has to do with the traditional rulers arrangement of Ekiti. Considering the role that Ekiti played during the Kiriji War, they are not pushover. The 16 Obas are a strong force that the Yoruba people can count on.
“Ekiti is the pride of the entire Yorubaland in many spheres, including education. In nearly every compound in Ekiti State, you will find a professor. My letter to Fayemi is a letter from father to his son, believing that he would understand the content of the letter and its objective.
“Because Fayemi is an academic, he has a way of looking at the letter dispassionately.”
…………….
Enjoy this colorful video.
