- Dr Thompson Olakunle Olasupo, a historian, asserts that colonialism and imperialism have diminished traditional rulers from revered leaders to political tools
- The political analyst said this while reacting to the reinstatement of Prince Adebayo Adegbola as Eleruwa of Eruwa in Oyo state by Governor Seyi Makinde
- Dr Olasupo told TheTalk.NG in an exclusive chat that the development reflects political influence overriding judicial decisions in traditional leadership
Analyst raises concerns over judiciarys diminishing authority as Oyo state reinstates Prince Adegbola as Eleruwa. Photo credit: @SeyiamakindeSource: TwitterTraditional rulers: From revered leaders to political tools “The roles of traditional rulers have moved from center to the fringes. The traditional institution, once highly revered, became bastardized by the twin factors of colonialism and imperialism,” he stated.”By the time the British colonial government came as elsewhere, which colonialism took place in Africa, they subjected this revered institution to their whims and caprice and ensured that they became stooges while they paid them stipends and promised them foreign trips,” Dr Olasupo noted.”As you know, he who pays the piper dictates its tune, the traditional rulers became nothing but tools in the hands of the politicians. Today, the oracle does little or nothing in appointments such that political umbrellas or linings, big bags and connections among other things now act as criteria for selection of an Oba,” he added.Political undercurrents in the Eleruwa reappointment “The Supreme Court has had its say, but the government has had its way. The esteemed discretion of His Excellency facilitated the Akalako Ruling House to be recognised as the next ruling quarters to nominate candidates and the Kingmakers of Eruwa convened and unanimously selected Prince Adebayo Adegbola, he said.”One would ask why the state government insisted on having him or no other person on board,” he remarked.Analyst critiques the reinstatement of Prince Adegbola, warning of political interference in traditional rulership. Photo credit: @SlayshotitSource: TwitterLegal and social implications of the reinstatement “I am not a legal practitioner, but what I know is that it is statute-bound. The Supreme Court or the government should not be interfering with traditional institutions, but it is what it is,” he stated.”Other state governors will learn a new way of having their way, as the Supreme Court cannot entertain an issue it has deliberated on,” he noted.”A similar case happened in Ikenne, where, despite government backing, some individuals refused to recognise the kings authority. Some youths and chieftains openly disregarded his instructions,” Dr. Olasupo recalled.”Such a traditional ruler will be loyal to the governor rather than the people or the traditional institution,” he said.Call for traditional institutions to reclaim their authority”Traditional rulers must sit up and tidy their house so they dont become mere errand boys to others. Though they already serve the executive, they should not stoop so low as to become immaterial or worthless,” he advised.”Issues relating to traditional institutions should be handled by the Ogbonis, Osugbos and other traditional institutions saddled with such responsibilities before colonialism,” he asserted.Makinde sets timeline for successor announcement
