Olowu of Kuta calls for identification of ‘cultural misfits’ among traditional rulers

The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, has called on the government and scholars to identify traditional rulers who do not uphold the culture and traditions of their communities.

Oba Oyelude, who described them as cultural misfits, made this appeal shortly after receiving an award for his contribution to the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition.

The award was presented at the 14th Toyin Falola International Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, on Tuesday.

Speaking during the ceremony, Oba Oyelude said, “Within the traditional institution, don’t shy away. Some of us (traditional rulers) thought we could be on the throne and change the goalpost halfway.

“No, we are installed culturally, and we don’t have any role articulated by the Chieftaincy Law other than being traditional rulers for the maintenance of tradition and culture. We have a lot of cultural misfits among us. Please help us to fish them out and correct it because of posterity.”

Oba Oyelude, while emphasising the importance of ensuring that individuals who ascend traditional thrones respect and preserve cultural values, urged scholars and cultural custodians to hold monarchs accountable for their roles.

The Olowu was honoured alongside other monarchs, including the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi; and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.

Oba Oyelude, encouraging intellectuals and media to promote the positive image of Nigeria globally, referenced the efforts of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola in championing cultural repatriation and global recognition of African heritage.

He said, “In the past, the late M.K.O. Abiola started the project called reparation, and we have seen the fruits of his efforts today. Many of the artefacts and the bronzes stolen from our parents are being brought back.”

The monarch also praised the collaborative cultural project between UNESCO, the University of Texas, and UNIOSUN, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting African heritage.

In his address titled “Culture Matters,” Professor Toyin Falola explained that colonisers sought to erase African identity by targeting its culture, language, and religion.

“They did all of these because they understood that to capture a people, you must destroy their culture.

“Culture is a tool for political power. Our ancestors resisted not always with weapons but many times with language, with the rhythm of their drums, with their knowledge of culture.”

Prof. Falola warned against the neglect of cultural values, stressing that successful development depends on cultural awareness.

“To lose culture is to lose a part of ourselves. But to protect culture, to invest in it, to learn from it, and to pass it on is an act of survival. It is resistance.

“When development projects are initiated with minimal or no understanding of the culture of the people they aim to help, the result is often failure, resistance, and waste.”

Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Clement Adebooye, while declaring the conference open, described the event as historic.

He noted that UNIOSUN was the first Nigerian university to win a UNESCO research grant on culture.

He commended the organisers, including the UNESCO-IFCD-UNIOSUN Cultural Project, the University of Texas, and the university’s College of Humanities and Culture, for their efforts in cultural advancement.

Prof. Adebooye assured that the university is committed to expanding its cultural research initiatives and strengthening its academic capacity in the humanities.

Olowu of Kuta calls for identification of ‘cultural misfits’ among traditional rulers