...... says there’ll be consequences
By Peter Adedoyin
Traditional worshippers in Ogun State have appealed to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to exercise restrain in the implementation of the controversial Obaship law, which he recently accented to.
The Olu-Isese worldwide, Oba Ifarotimi Balogun, who made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, the State capital, as part of activities to commemorate this year annual prayer organized for peace and progress of Ogun State and Nigeria in general, said its implementation might have consequences on the people and the towns.
He advised the governor not to see traditional practice as evil or an uncivilized practice.
It would be recalled that the new Ogun Chieftaincy law, allows traditional rulers to be installed or buried according to their faith, instead of the traditional rites by traditionalists in the affected communities.
Ifarotimi noted that, the processes of installation and burial of an Oba “are customarily being handled by our custodians of culture and tradition.”
He said, "we want to appeal to our people in Ogun state and Africa in general not to see traditional worship as evil and uncivilized practice. Our culture, as a matter of fact is sacrosanct and it has helped to preserve the peoples identity and sustain the land from complete foreign invasion and cultural annihilation".
"All our efforts and commitment should be seen as a service for the wellbeing of our state, and government should not be misconstrued or misinformed about what the traditionalists and tradition itself stand for in the state".
"The fact remains that any attempt to disdain or disrepute the very core values of our tradition as enshrined by the traditional institution which has galvanized our peaceful existence till now might dealt a big blow on our core history as a people and throw our core values into completely oblivion in 21st Century".
"We humbly wish to remind you that not all that pertains to tradition and culture can be changed without its implications, particularly the underlining factor that it might result in stripping off our traditional rulers’ values and reducing their traditional power, respect and honour among others, as embedded in the traditional protocols and which can brew attendant consequences upon a town".
"For this not to befall our cherished cultural values and tradition in Ogun State, we are passionately appealing on behalf of Oduduwa our father, the Ooni of Ile -ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake ti Ile Egba and my humble Self, Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun , the Olu-Isese world-wide, Forisha Gbade the first that our dear Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR should kindly put on hold the strategic and delicate part of the process of king making , burial and Chieftaincy title confirmment.
"Our Royal fathers need to do more to protect our heritage which is now going into extinction while the western world is making good money from our very dynamic tradition to develop their country".
Balogun also called on Governor Abiodun to approve and declare August 20 as a public holiday for traditional worshippers in the state “just as it was done in the other southwestern states.”
He said, "the approval of public holiday would allow them to publicize their native calendar and protect our cultural heritage".
"Let me kindly inform you that we hold the largest population all over the world and settled at a very strategic political path of every state, we desire that you give us a day holiday in a whole year by your adminstration. This gesture will go along way at establishing your good will for the wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Ogun State.
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