The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has urged Nigerian politicians to put aside their differences and work together to address the country's numerous challenges. In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin emphasized the need for national growth and development through good leadership and moral values. He made the call while commemorating Nigeria's 2026 Independence celebration. The Alaafin stressed that national growth depends on the good sense of justice, moral worth, and responsibility exhibited by leaders and citizens.
According to the Alaafin, a nation's value system is sacred and extends beyond its boundaries. He noted that all nations take pride in their value systems, just as individuals take pride in their upbringing and character. The Alaafin emphasized that basic values are traditional and historic, reflecting a nation's experiences since its inception as a national unity. He highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting traditional institutions, which are remnants of Nigeria's pre-colonial political system.
The Alaafin attributed Nigeria's unity to the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates in 1914, which brought together people of diverse historical and cultural backgrounds. He noted that the colonial government implemented policies to foster cultural, political, social, and economic ties among various groups in the new nation. The Alaafin emphasized that Nigeria has been committed to a united federation since its inception, with federalism as a functional arrangement between diverse communities.
The Alaafin acknowledged the achievements of past leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the Sardauna of Sokoto, who fought for Nigeria's independence. He noted that these leaders successfully accomplished education, infrastructure development, employment, social welfare programs, and healthcare delivery. The Alaafin emphasized that traditional rulers, as potent mobilizers, advisers, mediators, facilitators, adjudicators, and nominators, should be harnessed to determine the success of democratic and development programs.
The Alaafin lamented that traditional institutions have faced challenges throughout Nigeria's political history, from pre-colonial to post-colonial eras. He noted that these institutions have been strengthened and weakened, elevated and humiliated, empowered and disempowered by emerging political and ruling classes. The Alaafin stressed that traditional institutions in pre-colonial Yorubaland had elements of modern governmental systems, suiting the social, political, and economic situations of the era.
The Alaafin commended the Bola Tinubu administration for focusing on rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable country. He emphasized that traditional institutions must be preserved, promoted, and strengthened through official constitutional recognitions and acknowledgments. The Alaafin noted that the position of traditional rulers should be greatly harnessed to determine the success of democratic and development programs.
The Alaafin's call for unity and focus on fixing Nigeria comes as the country prepares for the 2027 elections. His statement highlights the need for politicians to work together to address the country's challenges. The Alaafin's emphasis on preserving traditional institutions and promoting moral values is expected to resonate with Nigerians seeking a better future for their country.
Key points
- The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, urges Nigerian politicians to unite and focus on finding solutions to the country's problems.
- The Alaafin emphasizes the need for national growth and development through good leadership and moral values.
- The Alaafin commends the Bola Tinubu administration for focusing on rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable country.
