The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has said he will serve as a bridge between traditional institutions and modern governance, even as he assured that his good plans for the people of the ancient town of Oyo and Yorubaland remain unshaken.
The monarch stated that harmonisation of norms and values embedded in traditional institutions, with the modern system of governance were the only antidote in reducing, if not totally eradicating, the problems of access to justice and conflict resolution in the country.
Oba Owoade who stated this when he received traditional rulers from Ibarapa area of Oyo State who paid him a courtesy visit, said that it was imperative because socio-cultural norms embedded in traditional institutions have remained an integral part of the people.
The Alaafin noted that apart from being the powerful human tool for survival, the defined cultural norms and values also form the bases of existence of every civilised society as they bring order which in turn makes the society devoid of any state of lawlessness.
The Oba maintained that he was not just a traditional ruler but also a key figure who should serve as a bridge between traditional institutions and modern governance.
He said, “The Alaafin stool is a symbol of cultural pride, unity and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
“The Oyo Empire was once the political and military stronghold of the Yoruba people, renowned for its administrative sophistication, military prowess and cultural influence.
“The Alaafin, as the paramount ruler, has always been the custodian of its traditions, the unifying force of the Yoruba people, and a bridge between the past and the future.”
Oba Owoade who solicited for the same support accorded his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Oayiwola Adeyemi III, assured the Ibarapa monarchs of following his indelible traits.
Earlier, the Olu of Igbo-Orand, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, who led other Ibarapa monarchs on the courtesy visit said, “As the Alaafin assumed the sacred responsibility, we are confident that your wisdom, leadership, and dedication will further strengthen the unity and progress of Oyo Kingdom, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
“You are on the threshold of history as the successor to Oba Adeyemi III, one of the most influential and longest-reigning monarchs in Yoruba history.”