IMPOSSIBLE GOVERNORS’ TAKE OVER OBAS’ ROLES- A REACTION TO AROMOLARAN A Leader’s innate ability to determine his or her position within differentia capable and operate carefully within bounds of stipulated constitutional limitations will not only result in effective peace process management but evidential human benefitting progress. The statement creditably made by Oba Adekunle Aromolaran a traditional ruler in Ijesaland whilst there in Oyo to commiserate with the Alafin, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi over the sad event of the burnt palace that “ State Governors’ have taken over the responsibility of Obas in Yoruba land” was a reckless vituperation unbecoming of a traditional ruler drawing monthly wages from the government. The political statement further made by him that “There is nothing they can not do except turn a man to a woman clearly demonstrated lack of knowledge of Oba Aromolaran in the operation of constitutional government. First and foremost it must be pointed out that we Obas and or traditional rulers are enjoying privileged permissive positions not provided and or allowed for in a constitutional democracy particularly one practicing presidential system. This brings to fore reexamination of constitutional roles being clamoured for traditional rulers, necessities for which one doubts. Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and his types must be told in clear term that as it is currently the state governors are only tolerating traditional rulers for whom there are no constitutional provisions made. If by “ State Governors’ have taken over the responsibility of Obas in Yoruba land” irresponsible statement made by Aromolaran Obas he meant that State governors have stopped Obas from reckless abuse of peoples rights withdrawing traditional titles from to right owners to their puppets , forcefully taking over people’s wives, land and property, causing unproductive tensions in the society and arrogating powers they are not entitled to themselves et al, then one should like to say it bold and clear that it was high time facts are faced that the days of fascists in traditional institutions are over. The elected governors are no doubt the voice of God and the people in the constitutional affairs of the state and society. It is pertinent to mention the fact that in the hey days of our fathers in particular Oba Owa’Tapa of Itapa Ijesa, no Oba drew salaries from the government but are purely farmers and traders providing means of employment and good standard of living encouragements for their subjects. A good example and veritable reference point was that of highly respected late Owa Obokun of Ilesa Oba Adeniran Agunlejika Owa who was an highly successful farmer/ trader.

Unfortunately now Obas are mere glorified civil servants, lay about on drawings from government stipends. Some of us traditional rulers are worse of than identified criminals for coverts activities we nocturnally engage in. Oba Aromolaran must be reminded that the governors who issued certificates of existences to the Obas and pay them monthly remuneration must be accepted authorities of God Almighty to be respected. Dr. Olapade Agoro (Aladura Patriarch) Owa’Tapa of Itapa Ijesa land