By Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, and the Superior Head of Yorubaland
The Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has called for a thorough study of the Yoruba knowledge system and society that produced the archetypal African system in Oyo, in order to provide that direction the country missed in the past.
He said the country is at a momentous and critical stage in the.historical development of her nationhood when she is looking back, trying to re-define the system of government in order to establish a responsible and responsive government.
In a release by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin stated this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Alaafin Insights of Yoruba Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
Oba Owoade stated that incontrovertibly, Yoruba are a major tribal group in Nigeria, as they are found in large concentration along the West African coast as well
as other major cities of the world, adding that perhaps what stands out the Yoruba
everywhere they are found is their strong attachment to their culture, religion and traditions.
According to him, "":even with civilization, the light of culture has remained effervescent among the people. Though modernisation has bombarded our
tradition, but like an ancient fortress built to withstand fierce military onslaughts, our living traditions and customs have remained pivot on which rests the dignity of the black man.
"" There is urgent need for the present generation not to lose grip with the link that ties them firmly with their traditions and customs.
"" The ancient city of Oyo remains the home of tradition and precisely at the spot in which the most celebrated African political system was designed, implemented and perfected to excellence. A nation or tribe without customs is as good as a horde of gorillas ravaging the deep forests"".
He noted that the indigenous resources of Yoruba epistemology are
crafted in such a way as to shape the thoughts and worldview and also
guide daily conducts of the Yoruba people.
"" The Yoruba recognizes the need to have a society where law and order
will prevail. Quite unlike what obtains in contemporary times, Yoruba
enshrine the values and ethos of sanity in the child. As a people without physical written paraphernalia, the Yoruba starts to nurture their minds early. The implication is that as a child grows he or she learns etiquette and moral ethos, along the way’’.
Alaafin noted that pre-colonial system of government in Oyo was
constructed on an elaborate system of checks and balances which made
adequate provisions for and accommodated the culture and sensibilities
of the people that produced it.
In essence, he pointed out that it was a people’s original design to meet the wishes and aspirations of the people and their definition of development.
The Paramount Ruler pointed out that Sango provides everyone with a rare opportunity to define his or her attitude to culture by identifying with its virtues and
in so doing equip ourselves with an understanding of these virtues that transformed Sango from being just the fourth ruler of the kingdom of Oyo to global brand that he has become today.
"" In this era of African cultural re-awakening, the life, leadership, administration and government under Sango as Alaafin here in Oyo should be explored in the strictest academic tradition and the ennobling values intellectualized. The life of Alaafin Sango would definitely be an excellent example in leadership, considering the fact that his rule of Oyo was for less than a decade"".
Alaafin went further, "" I am disturbed at the gradual extinction of
Yoruba Customs and traditions, and how modernisation has been allowed
to bombard Yoruba traditions. As things move at the present time, it
will be disastrous if we fold our arms allowing our traditions to dwindle into oblivion in the face of permissiveness. How many Yorubabbsons and daughters can brilliantly articulate their local language?
"" It is frightening that our own language is dangling on the pit of extinction while preference is accorded foreign language, which is English. Languages often hold the only record of a people’s history, including their songs, stories, praise poetry and ancient traditions. In particular, many indigenous cultures contain a wealth o information about the local environment and its flora"".
"" The survival of threatened languages, and the indigenous knowledge
contained within, is an important aspect of maintaining biological
diversity. Languages are now becoming extinct faster than birds,
mammals, fish or plants"".
Alaafin explained that the inauguration of the Institute is more than the establishment of another academic institution, adding that ""it is a declaration of purpose , a commitment to memory, a pledge that the the language, history, philosophy, values, and cultural treasures of the Yoruba people shall not be forgotten , neglected and diminished"".
To Oba Owoade, "" the location of this institute in Oyo is both fitting and deeply symbolic. Oyo occupies a unique place of Yoruba history . It was from this ancient Kingdom that one of Africa's greatest Empires emerged. The Old Oyo Empire stood as a beacon of political organisation, military strength, economic prosperity , diplomacy and cultural influence"".
The Royal Father concluded by saying that "" Oyo is not only a Centre of political history , also a centre of learning , stressing that for generations, the City has nurtured minds and produced leaders, hence its it is therefore entirely appropriate that an Institute devoted to Yoruba Studies should find its home here"".
The colour event was attended by the academia, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders .
Highlights of the occasion was the commissioning of the Institute building by the Titan of Yorubaland, and presentation of Awards of Honour on some notable recipients .
Among them was the Chairman , Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, and renowned Clergy, Arch- Bishop Prince Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu .
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