14th September, 2014
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has urged politicians to emulate the sterling qualities of Oranyan, which made him a successful builder of many states and originator of progressive ideas.
Adeyemi made the call on Saturday night at his Palace in Oyo, during the closing of the weeklong activities to mark the 3rd Oranyan festival.
Oranyan is a Yoruba warrior and leader, one of the sons of Oduduwa and acclaimed founder of old Oyo Empire.
The Alaafin said the festival was held annually to celebrate the leadership qualities of Oranyan, who established an enduring political structure for civil and military administration in Africa.
“This gathering is a rallying point for enthusiasts of Yoruba history and culture. It is also to call attention to Yoruba contribution to civilisation as empire builders long before the dawn of political sophistication in other parts of the world.
“The festival is also to establish the relevance of Yoruba culture in promoting global peace, international understanding and harmony,’’ he said.
Adeyemi said that the life and political career of Oranyan would provide a template for effective political system or statecraft, empire building and mass political participation.
According to him, the archetypal monarchy embroidered with central authority is a product of the wizardry of Oranyan who left the cradle of Yoruba consciousness to create a system of government.
“A system of government whose effectiveness, creativity, relevance, suitability and appropriateness is not in doubt even in contemporary Nigeria.
“What Oranyan did was to create a system and not personal autocracy. If it were to be a structure built around him, it probably would have collapsed immediately after his death.
“It was indeed a structure built on solid foundation of idea and the best of Yoruba knowledge system, hence its capacity to endure the vicissitudes of time,” he said.
He called on politicians from Yoruba tribe to embrace Oranyan’s ideals in politics, and shun pretence, arrogance and selfishness.
The festival featured beauty contest, cultural dances, masquerades display, and was attended by Chief Moses Adeyemo, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State.
Other dignitaries were Monsurat Sunmonu, Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, former governor Omololu Olunloyo and Sayo Alagbe, who represented another former governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala.
The others were a former senate leader, Teslim Folarin, Mr Seyi Makinde, Mr Femi Babalola and notable traditional rulers from within and outside Nigeria.