….Speaks on Akure man succeeding Governor Aiyedatiwa, Yoruba Traditions & Monarchy.
…..In this exclusive interview, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, bares his mind on the surprise that came with his selection as king, the intense challenges of traditional rulership, growing threats to cultural heritage, and his desire to see an Akure indigene become the next governor of Ondo State.
…..He also explains why any Yoruba monarch who cannot embrace traditional rites should not accept the crown. Deji of Akure is celebrating his 10 years on the throne.
How did you feel when your name was announced as the next Deji of Akure? Was there any shock during your coronation rites?
I was shocked. When I ran the second time, I was the only one the kingmakers selected, so I assumed it would be the same process the third time. But the announcement still came as a surprise to me. I didn’t expect it to be that way. The whole journey humbled me.
Since becoming king, what has been your biggest challenge?
For the past ten years, the challenges have been enormous. Right now, we have over 100 cases in court.
People challenge the Deji’s authority – some say I’m not the prescribed authority over certain areas. But let’s be clear: any community speaking the Akure dialect belongs to Akure.
Whether Akure North, Akure South, or Ifedore, we are one people. I’m not forcing myself on anyone; the Deji has always been the head. Just like you can’t compare yourself with the Ooni of Ife, the same applies here. But God has been faithful to me.
What is your take on the recent drama in Ijebu Ode , and should traditional rulers dictate how they want to be buried? Can an Oba reject traditional rites?
You all know me. Before my coronation, when the Afobajes asked if I would obey all the traditions of Akure land, I said yes. And since then, I’ve kept that promise.
Whether it’s Isese or any other rite, I participate fully. We have the House of Esu here, and every nine days, we do rituals. We also have 30 irumole statues in the palace where I pray with my Awos.
I still go to church and mosque, but tradition must be upheld. If you can’t keep tradition, don’t become an Oba. Even when we go to Esu, we pray for peace, not evil.
What are some things you wish Akure had that still concern you today?
My greatest accomplishment is peace and progress in my kingdom. Akure is peaceful, especially compared to other state capitals. All of you are progressing. After Lagos and Ibadan, I believe Akure is next in line in the Southwest. We’ve made progress, but more needs to be done. My list of wishes for Akure is long. If I start, we won’t leave here today. We have Teaching Hospital now, the city is expanding every day.
How do you plan to unite other traditional rulers in Akure and bring lasting peace to the division?
When I ascended the throne ten years ago, I visited all traditional rulers across Akure division. I told them we must unite, and they should stop competing with the Deji.
It’s like me competing with the Ooni – it makes no sense. Deji was already ruling before governors came into existence.
The staff of office wasn’t given to us by anyone – we brought it from Ife. Communities like Iju, Ogbolu, and Ijare were put there by Deji.
They are our sons. No one from Akure North or South should compete with the Deji. If we come together, we can achieve great things. We have the numbers.
Many believe it is long overdue for Akure to produce the next Ondo State governor. What’s your view on that agitation?
Everybody wants their sons to be governor or president. Look at what Baba Buhari did for Daura.
The problem is that there’s no unity among Akure-speaking communities. If we had that unity, we would have had a governor long ago. But I believe the next one, by God’s grace, will be from Akure – and when I say Akure, I mean Akure North, Akure South, or Ifedore. We are one. It’s our turn.
