BALANCING TRADITION AND DEVELOPMENT: THE MYOPIA OF POLITICAL UPGRADES IN ONDO STATE
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BALANCING TRADITION AND DEVELOPMENT: THE MYOPIA OF POLITICAL UPGRADES IN ONDO STATE
By Alex Adeoye
The recent wave of chieftaincy upgrades in Ondo State has sparked widespread tension, turning what was intended as a developmental stride into a subject of fierce contestation. The elevation of lesser chiefs, or Olus, to the status of Obas (kings) was a political move meant to give grassroots communities a sense of belonging and accelerate local development.
However, in the process, traditional hierarchy has been upended, leading to a state-wide unrest that is yet to subside.
History and Tradition Cannot Be Ignored
Chieftaincy in Yoruba land is deeply rooted in history and tradition, with clear lines of authority established over centuries.
The recent elevation of Olus effectively grants them autonomy, severing their ties to their former overlords—Obas who had exercised authority over them for generations.
No ruler willingly relinquishes power, and naturally, the previously superior kings are resisting these changes, many of them turning to the courts to seek redress.
The case of Akure Kingdom versus Isinkan and Isolo is a prime example. The recent Appeal Court ruling reaffirmed that Akure remains the consenting authority over Isinkan.
A similar case involving Isolo is still pending, but given the precedent, the outcome seems predictable. Yet, the tensions continue, fueled by political decisions that seemingly disregard historical precedents.
A Governor’s Duty to Envision Stability
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s recent comments regarding the crisis, particularly in relation to the Deji of Akure’s position, have added fuel to the fire. While his intent may be to defend government policy, the approach has come across as dismissive and provocative to traditional rulers who feel slighted by the abrupt restructuring of the chieftaincy system.
A government committed to peace and development must anticipate such reactions and proactively manage them, rather than reacting to crises as they unfold.
A Path to Sustainable Peace
Rather than creating pockets of hostility through indiscriminate upgrades, the solution lies in elevating only those Obas who are historically and culturally due for paramountcy.
In this light, a more structured approach would involve the recognition of the true paramount rulers of Ondo State:
The Deji of Akure
The Olowo of Owo
The Osemawe of Ondo
The Amapetu of Mahin
By granting these first-class monarchs paramount status, the state government can establish a clear hierarchy that respects tradition while integrating necessary reforms.
This would not only douse the tensions arising from the recent upgrades but also reinforce the authority of the most senior Obas, ensuring that the traditional system does not descend into chaos.
Conclusion
History is powerful. It holds the key to resolving today’s disputes by providing clarity on established customs. The courts, as interpreters of the law, will undoubtedly play their role in settling these disputes. However, the government must take proactive steps to prevent future conflicts.
Political strategies should not override traditional structures without careful consideration. True development is achieved when progress aligns with history, not when it disrupts it.
By upgrading only the deserving paramount rulers and ensuring a well-defined chieftaincy structure, Ondo State can move forward in peace, preserving both tradition and governance for future generations.
Alex Adeoye writes from Alagbaka Extension in Akure South LGA
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