Vacant traditional thrones have been identified as the cause of stagnation and stunted progress being experienced in Oyo and Ogbomoso towns, both in Oyo State.
Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, stated this at a Thanksgiving Service held to end the four-day programme of the first coronation anniversary of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II.
The Thanksgiving Service was held at The Cathedral of St. James The Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan on Sunday.
Recalled that the two ancient cities have been without obas since the passages of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade, more than one year ago.
Bishop Akinfenwa said the inability of the two cities to produce successors to the throne has robed them of the desired and expected progress.
The cleric praised Ibadan for its unique traditional system of ascension to the stool of Olubadan.
He remarked that the last one year of Oba Lekan Balogun in Ibadan “has brought a lot of progress and development to the ancient metropolis.
“These are the similarities of what both Oyo and Ogbomoso are missing by not having heads for over a year now.”
Bishop Akinfenwa said the Ibadan obaship traditional system “remains a model that is acknowledged globally.
“I implore our governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, to help the two ancient cities to solve their succession problems.
“I know he is not the one causing the problem. But, as an achiever, he will add to his feathers of success by the two cities having kings to reign over them.
“I equally charge all the people involved in the selection processes in the two cities to expedite actions.
“Those struggling to mount the thrones too should give peace a chance and let the interest of the two communities be paramount in their hearts.
“It doesn’t take long before people forget things. Very soon, people may forget about the titles of Alaafin and Soun.”
Bishop Akinfenwa lauded the state governor for not reinventing the story but rather stick to the tradition of the succession plan which he described as peaceful, transparent and enduring.
The Anglican Bishop noted that the anniversary being celebrated would not have been possible, if the governor had done otherwise.
The clergyman noted that the traditional institution remains relevant, in spite all travails, simply because the evolution of the system had no external influence whatsoever.
Bishop Akinfenwa enjoined all to always give the traditional system the honour it deserves.
He stressed: “Over the ages, people have continued to hold dear their culture and traditions because of the inherent values and nothing can change that mindset.”
In attendance at the Thanksgiving Service were the immediate past senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Kola Balogun and two of Olubadan’s oloris, Olayinka and Olufunmilayo.
The Olubadan was represented Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola and two of the newly-installed honourary chiefs, Professor Soji Adejumo (Ajiroba) and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (Agba-Ofin).
Also present were some mogajis and the Eze Ndigbo of Oyo State, Dr. Alex Anozie, among many other dignitaries.
