a day with the olota of ota: royal interview with hrm oba (prof.) abdulkabir adeyemi obalanlege.
According to the Wikipedia, the International Youth Day (IYD) is "an awareness day designated by the United Nations." The purpose of this day is to draw attention to a given set of contemporary issues surrounding youth's affairs. This day is observed annually on August 12. Being an awareness day, it is meant as an opportunity for government and other relevant organizations to proffer solutions to the amounting challenges of the youths.
In celebration of this year's event, the steering committee of the state chapter of the International Youth Day celebration made a courtesy visit to the Olota of Ota. Below is an excerpt of the Interview:
1. Kabiyesi, can we meet you?
I am Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege; the Olota of Ota.
2. Kabiyesi, can we have an insight into your past before you assume the royal stool?
I attended Ansarudeen Primary School, Isolo, and Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, for my secondary education. I attended Ogun State Polytechnic for my HND thereafter I worked with The Mail newspaper, Republic Newspaper, and This Day newspaper. I also worked with Lagos State Polytechnic as Public Relations Officer before I travelled abroad. In 1996, I went to the University of Leicester for my Masters degree in Mass Communication. I later proceeded to the University of Antwerp for my PhD in Communication Studies. Thereafter I taught journalism at University of... and University of Lincoln respectively. I also worked in England as a journalist before returning home in 2014.
3. Kabiyesi, the Olota of Ota is a well respected royal title in Ogun State, we will like to know what gave so much credence to the stool.
Olota of Ota is not limited to Ogun State. It is throughout the Yoruba land and beyond. Olota of Ota happens to be one of the existing stools before the arrival of the colonialists (I won't call them colonial masters because they are not our masters). Really, the title if Olota of Ota should be His Imperial Majesty as it has been in existence for over five hundred years. Olota of Ota is not the kind of stool anyone could you with due to its years of existence.
4. Kabiyesi, there is always one or another battle for supremacy among the royal Fathers, is the Olota of Ota in contention with anyone?
As stated earlier, the stool of the Olota of Ota has been in existence for a while. Being a unique stool, I am not in contention with anyone. All I know is that the stool is a respected one and you will never hear from the Olota of Ota comparing royal supremacy. Whoever respects the Olota of Ota will equally be respected.
5. Kabiyesi, is Oba Akinsewa truly the first Olota of Ota according to a documented history on Ota?
History revealed that there has been a few Obas before Akinsewa. I am not certain he is the first Olota of Ota should history be properly explored.
6. The Olota of Ota happens to be the Secretary of the Council of Obas in Egbaland. May we know the reason?
Olota used to be the Secretary of the Egba Traditional Council. I will prefer to be silent on it. For me, I will not hold any position in Egba Traditional Council because I don't belong there. My hands are only tied. So as a protest, I will not hold any position.
7. Kabiyesi, there is a rumour that you are making efforts to crown some Chiefs or Baales as Obas in Abeokuta. How true is it?
I will prefer to remain silent on it.
8. Kabiyesi, there is a general belief that most of the Obas are political stooges of the government. May we know what makes the Olota of Ota different?
No. The point is the position of Obas, nowadays, is a position that Obas have to work with the government. Obas are custodians of our culture and they also have the responsibilities of economic and political developent of their areas, including the security. Because a security challenge in the domain of any Oba affects the safety of the people. That's a major reason why an Oba have to cooperate with the government if to receive continuous attention.
9. What is Kabiyesi's relationship with the communities belonging to the Awori people in other senatorial districts?
The relationship is fine. They are all my brothers. We are all Aworis and we need each other to survive especially in this situation of political marginalization. I have been promoting our unity and that's what I will continue to do.
10. When are we having a paramount Ruler for all Aworis?
It depends on the government. It is the government's responsibility to do that when it is deemed fit. We the Awori people knows that it is overdue and we continue to look forward to it.
11. Kabiyesi, are there historical locations in Ota? If yes, what is the Olota of Ota doing to promote these centres?
Yes. Aside the second storey building in Nigeria which is situated here in Ota, we have places like Ijamido Water centre, Egungun Shrine, Ogun Shrine, ancient palaces and others. These are places that can generate revenue for the state if developed. We already have a Tourism committee and am confident these aforementioned centres are being looked into for needful development.
12. Kabiyesi, due to the well known spiritual inclination of the indigenes of Ota, how have you been able to manage people of different spiritual beliefs with traditional rites?
Well, as a custodian of culture and tradition, I look at ways of moving things forward while considering the demands of modernization. Though change is not easy, I believe firmly that my forefathers are with me.
13. The International Youth Day celebration for this year adopted the theme 'SAFE SPACES FOR YOUTH'. Kabiyesi, do you think there are truly safe spaces for the youths to develop politically, economically, socially, morally?
Why not? It is. I only feel the youths have not been up to tasks themselves. The youths are shying from their responsibilities considering the population of the youths offers them a leverage to secure the leadership of this country. It is only a lack of sincere interest among the youths that makes the old people keep depriving them of their spaces. I am disappointed in the youths.
14. Kabiyesi, considering that poverty rate goes alongside moral decay, and the fact that the youths are economically disabled, do we still say the youths are lazy?
You see, politics is a game of numbers. If there is a sincere desire among the youths, why won't they take control of power from the elderly ones who have failed this country? With the population of the youths, there is no serious excuse except the lack of political will. Truth be told, there are unfavorable conditions to facilitate the capacity of any youth; I have been a victim too during my youth days particularly on the discrimination between BSc and HND. But it is not enough to stay back. The youths must demand and defend their interests.
15. What is the relationship between the Olota of Ota and the youths in Ota?
There is a cordial relationship. They enjoy good relationship with me. I am always available to them.
16. Kabiyesi, what are your words of advice to the youths?
My advice is that the youths should forget about any favour from any politician or money bag. They should be more concern about things that affects their future and education, especially on the discrimination between BSc and HND. The youths must seek ways of addressing these challenges to show that they have truly come of age.
Credit: Akolawole Shoremi, Tajudeen Adeleye