The magnificent Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife hosted the first edition of the Zonal Assembly of Network of Kings from Osun Countryside organised by the Ile-Ife zone members. That was in March. It was a success story for about 200 traditional rulers who listened to speakers, former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Babafemi Ojudu and former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, both of whom charged the royal fathers on the need to close ranks to promote their general interest.
Three months after, that was on June 19, the monarchs returned to their Assembly and coverged on the SeeBee Hotel in Iwo where they were again fed with words they need to forge ahead in their responsibilities as traditional heads of their respective towns.
Guest Speaker, Chief Tunde Busari spoke on “How relevant or otherwise is sanctity of history in Yoruba Obaship institution under contemporary government?” and called on the monarchs to accept the reality of the changing world rather than “living permanently on the wing of history.”
Busari affirmed, “however feeble and perhaps toothless, traditional institution remains a conspicuous feature of contemporary government and shall continue to be so in as much as we speak our language, observe local festivals and perform rites. But, you, our royal fathers, will require to understand and appreciate the limitations of your authority within the framework of modern system of government.”
In his welcome address, President of the Network, the Alaa of Alaa-Ijesa, Oba Adewale David Ojarotade refreshed memories of the audience with history of the Network, restating that it was birthed in 2017 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Oba Ojarotade said, “I wish to acknowledge the success achieved by this zone in planning and executing this Assembly of a thing. I must confess, it is a replica of what we witnessed in Ile-Ife in March, 2025. Kudos to the hosts and organisers. The Assembly as we can see is well organised as well attended.”
The Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdurafiu Oyekanmi Bamigboye, in his speech, commended all members of the Network for their demonstrable unity of purpose and urged them to remain steadfast in their goals, adding that their number is their strength to promote their interests at higher levels.
While declaring open the Assembly, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude commended members of the Network and charged them to all be proud of Yoruba culture and tradition, reminding them that it is their obligation on the throne. He gave a monetary gift to two royal fathers who observed prayers in traditional way.
The Olowu encouraged traditional rulers to marry more wives according to the custom guiding their status. He also acknowledged that time is changing and asserted that in contemporary government there is no traditional ruler that is powerful again but influence determines his stature.
The Olu of Olorunsogo, Ife Oba Kayode Charles Omisore read an abridged citation of the guest speaker to the Assembly and expressed his appreciation for his presence at the occasion.
Chairman, Board of Trustees, the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye admonished members against plots to sabotage the ground so far covered by the Network since inception, urging them to remain focused and adhere strictly to the direction of the Network leadership.
“We are in this journey for a serious business and we are not going to joke with how we run our affairs to achieve our set objectives. There is no room to engage in ego game. Every member is as important as other. Our new members are welcome to your natural habitat where your interests are served within the purview of the law,” he assured.
Published June 21, 2025
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