Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has admonished the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll, to ensure that the culture and tradition of Ibadan, may Yorubaland are given pride of place during his reign.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo gave the admonition when he led his entourage on a congratulatory visit to the traditional ruler at his Alarere residence, Ibadan, on Thursday.
Iba Adams said the charge became imperative in view of the strategic position occupies by Ibadan in Yorubaland, stressing that “whatever is seen being done here in Ibadan becomes the norm in other towns and cities.
“In short, Ibadan is regarded as a model and whatever is allowed as permissible as part of Yoruba culture and tradition would be seen as being acceptable and other towns and cities would que in.
“The implication of this for our reverred monarch, as the custodian of culture and tradition, is that our values must be protected and necessary encouragement is given while anything that would erode them must be checked.”
Gani Adams supported the calls for roles for traditional rulers in the governance so as to fill the gap existing between the government and the governed, especially in the area of security, customs and tradition, as well as land matters.
Responding, Oba Balogun praised the Aare-Ona Kakanfo for the way and manner he has been discharging his responsibilities in Yorubaland, especially the promotion of culture, customs and tradition across the Yorubaland.
The traditional ruler promised the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland that he would work harder to ensure that he achieves more success in Ibadanland.
The Olubadan recalled the support given to the Aare-Ona Kakanfo during his installation in Oyo Alaafin a couple of years ago by virtually all Yoruba obas.
He said Gani Adams has so far justified the confidence reposed in him and admonished him to maintain the tempo of his current strides to put Yorubaland and its people in their right of place, traditionally.
