Saudi Arabia Trip: Olubadan Throne Must Be Respected, Ewenla Tells Ladoja

…As Calls for clarification, possible apology over alleged breach of Yoruba traditional protocol

The Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Ambassador for African Culture and Traditions, Prince Adedipe Ewenla has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, to address the controversy surrounding his appearance during his recent Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Ewenla, in a statement, said his position was not an attack on Islam, Hajj or the personal religious beliefs of the Olubadan, stressing that every individual has the right to practise his or her religion according to conscience.

He, however, argued that religious practices should be considered separately from the cultural responsibilities attached to occupying a Yoruba traditional throne.

According to him, publicly circulated photographs showing the Olubadan with his head uncovered while in Saudi Arabia had raised concerns about traditional Yoruba expectations concerning the appearance and conduct of an Oba.

Ewenla said traditional rulers were custodians of history, culture, customs and institutions, adding that the dignity of a traditional throne should be maintained regardless of the location of its occupant.

He further argued that the Yoruba concept of the sacredness of the head, or orí, and the traditional use of royal crowns and headgear formed part of the cultural expectations surrounding Yoruba kingship.

He said the issue should not be reduced to religious sentiment or political rivalry, but should instead be examined by historians, traditional authorities, cultural custodians and knowledgeable elders familiar with the customs of the Olubadan institution.

Ewenla also drew attention to the relationship between Yoruba traditional institutions, particularly the Olubadan and Alaafin institutions, calling for mutual respect for traditional hierarchy, precedence and established customs.

He maintained that political recognition or government appointments should not override the cultural responsibilities attached to traditional institutions.

While acknowledging the role of the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde in the contemporary administration and recognition of traditional institutions, Ewenla said political considerations should not be allowed to diminish the dignity of traditional institutions.

The cultural advocate called on Oba Ladoja to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding his appearance in Saudi Arabia and, where appropriate, apologise to those who felt offended by the incident.

He added that if relevant traditional authorities determined that the conduct constituted a breach of the requirements of the Olubadan institution, the matter should be handled through recognised traditional and governmental processes.

Ewenla stressed that his intervention was not motivated by hatred, religion or personal hostility towards the Olubadan, but by what he described as a commitment to the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditional institutions.

He urged bloggers and supporters of the monarch not to turn the matter into a religious or political confrontation, but to allow competent custodians of Yoruba history and Ibadan traditions to provide clarification on the issue.

Ewenla noted that the dignity of the Olubadan institution should be preserved for future generations, saying, “No individual is bigger than the institution. No political appointment is bigger than our culture.”

He reiterated his call for respect for Yoruba heritage, traditional institutions and the cultural values associated with the Olubadan throne.