By Sayo Àlàgbé
stephenalagbe08@gmail.com
In the bids to restore sanity and respect deserved by culture and traditions of Yorubaland, the efforts of Oyo Assembly members towards protecting the integrity, honour and prestige of traditional institutions in the state, deserve commendation and emulation by other Yoruba speaking states. While it may seem like the familiar refrain, the fact remains that there is urgent need to follow the paths of law to bring the required and needed sanity. We cannot continue doing the same thing and be expecting different results.
Recently, what began as a harmless radio broadcast interview programme and discussions, has snowballed into a full-blown controversy that has divided inhabitants of the state, thus, drawn the attention of the Oyo State House of Assembly to the direct attacks on the dignity of Ogbomoshland and the reigning monarch. The caustic and derogatory remarks hurled at His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, by Dr. Doyin Odebowale during a live program on Lagelu FM, Ibadan, have sparked outrage across Ogbomosoland and beyond it. After all, we are in the era of the Internet. The question is: what did Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye do wrong to experience verbal and non verbal attacks from the least expected source since his enthronement? He has not done anything wrong to be crowned the Oba. Enough is enough! Moreover, Ogbomosho sons and daughters need to wake up and rise to the optimum level of protection of Oba Ghandhi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, and the stool he represents. That’s not negotiable!
From the benefits of insight and beyond the attack via unguided statements, it is obvious rather than hidden, that Dr. doyin Odebowale is a metaphor for hands of Esau, the voice of Jacob. Who does Dr. Odebowale represent? On behalf of who did he make the disrespectful statements? The controversial remarks, not only seen as a direct attack on the personality of the king and the stool he represents, it have not gone unnoticed by people of Ogbomoshland and it is gaining momentum. Several groups from Ogbomosoland, interpreted the comments as an insult to their heritage and identity, have stood in unison to demand justice and protection of the traditional ruler. Petitions have been sent to Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the Management of Lagelu FM, insisting that action be taken against the presenter for his derogatory comments.
Like a cat with nine lives, just when the matter seemed to be dying down, it resurfaced on Tuesday, February 4, during the plenary session of the Oyo State House of Assembly; when Honourable Onaolapo Sanjo Adedoyin, representing Ogbomoso South Constituency, moved a motion condemning the comments made by Dr. Odebowale, – who was the former Senior Special Assistant to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
While addressing the assembly, Honourable Onaolapo Sanjo Adedoyin expressed deep concern about the disrespect and public denigration directed at Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, describing the incident as historically incorrect, fallacious, and capable of inciting public unrest. He emphasized the importance of preserving the dignity of traditional institutions, warning that allowing such acts to go unpunished, would set a dangerous precedent. “Mere killing of a snake without cutting off its head should not be assumed to be the end. A non-beaded snake is more dangerous than a live one,” he stated metaphorically.
In a motion co-sponsored by Hon. J. A. Ogundele, Hon. O. M. Michael, and Hon. A. A. Ogundare; the House expressed its disapproval and noted that Dr. Odebowale’s remarks were in breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code of Ethics and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, Cap N11, LFN 2004. The Assembly urged the Executive Arm of Government to take proactive measures to safeguard traditional institutions in Oyo State. Because, today, it is the turn of Ogbomosholand, the King and the stool he represents; definitely, it would be the turn of another traditional institution in the state tomorrow.
Though as expected, the lawmakers called on the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to pursue legal action against Dr. Odebowale, there is need for Oyo State lawmakers to do the needful by implementing state’s sanctions against such individual. It is not enough to wait for justice from Abuja before orderliness is put in place in the traditional system and the state at large. The commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Titles need to take noble steps to protect the traditional system.
Significantly,the lawmakers also recommended that the Ministry of Information and Orientation petition the NBC to take disciplinary action against Lagelu FM and its presenter, Temitayo Oyeladun, host of the “Aabo Òrò” program, for failing to uphold professional standards.
In addition, the Assembly directed Lagelu FM to retract the offensive statements and broadcast a public apology. This is not enough. Though the motion received unanimous support from the lawmakers, who reiterated the crucial role of traditional institutions in preserving culture, heritage, and community unity. There is need to let Dr. Doyin Odebowale be made to appear before the Oyo State Assembly by virtue of invitation letter and be quizzed. This will pass significant message to other broadcast media to tow the paths of honour and not be in the bad book of history. Lagelu F.M. and Dr. Doyin Odebowale have secured their places in the footnotes of history.
Like Oliver Twist, the event will continue to unfold on this matter. It remains to be seen how the authorities will act and what the final outcome will be for those involved. The public is watching keenly and closely. The fact remains that Ogbomosholand and its people are watching closely too. Inevitably too, one thing is certain: the integrity of Oyo State’s traditional institution has taken center stage in this unfolding drama. History is watching from the distance. History would remind Ogbomosholand and Oyo State indegenes, the roles, the functions and the reactions of the present Oyo State lawmakers in the issues raised by Dr. Doyin Odebowale’s vituperation.
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A right step to caution the trouble maker and disrespectful man. Errant Nonsense! He should stop taking substance that turns him to a clown.