The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama has said that traditional rulers were appointed to promote Yoruba culture and tradition not to promote religious while on the throne.
According to monarch ”We don’t have to be religious kings in Yorubaland, we are meant to promote culture and tradition.
The traditional ruler stated this on Thursday at the maiden colloquium of Noah Olawuwo Oderinu Foundation held in Osogbo.
Olowu of Kuta noted that only monarch in the Yoruba land not picked by Ifa oracle would be misbehaving around.
The monarch who was reacting to a recent comment credited to a prominent Yoruba Oba that Ifa oracle nowadays no longer decides who becomes king.
He maintained that Ifa oracle remains an important tradition of the Yoruba people which all obas must respect and do everything possible to preserve.
According to the monarch “We are appointed as kings to promote Yoruba culture and traditions, we don’t have religious king in Yorubaland.”
Commending the Noah Olawuwo Oderinu Foundation for organizing the colloquium, Oba Makama urged the foundation not to allow the organization to be politicized rather strive in becoming a forum where opinions that can formulate policies for Osun people would be made.
The monarch who was decorated as the grand patron of the foundation pledged to do everything possible in supporting and ensuring that the foundation continues to achieve the purpose of which it was established.
Speaking on the objectives why the Noah Olawuwo Oderinu Foundation was established, radio and television broadcaster, Dayo Oderinu said the foundation will contribute to improved access to quality education for underserved communities and people.
He further explained that the foundation would contribute to eradication of poverty and extreme hunger through human capacity development and improved access to basic healthcare for the extremely poor through extension of health insurance cover.
In his keynote address, former governorship aspirant in 2022 election, Mr Bamidele Adeleke said, it is essential to recognize that the generational paradigm shift in political
participation is not about creating divisions or pitting one generation
against another.
“As we navigate this paradigm shift, it is crucial for policymakers, political
parties, and society as a whole to adapt and evolve. We must create
spaces for young people to participate meaningfully in decision-making
processes. This includes providing platforms for youth representation,
engaging them in policy discussions, and valuing their contributions.
“It is essential to invest in their education, empower them with the necessary skills, and support their aspirations to create positive change.
“In conclusion, the generational paradigm shift in political participation is an undeniable reality that we must embrace. Young people are
stepping up, demanding their voices be heard, and challenging the
status quo. It is incumbent upon all of us to listen, learn, and work together
across generations to build a political system that is responsive, inclusive,
and reflective of the aspirations of all citizens. “Omode gbon, Agba
gbon la fi da ile ife”. The cradle of the Yoruba race was built on the
combined wisdoms of the younger and older generations.” he added
