No doubt, the late Awujale, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s reign brought stability, cultural renaissance, human capacity development via various initiatives, and development of all sectors, be it education, industrial, or otherwise, to Ijebu-land. The giant strides of Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona must be sustained. Else, Ijebu-Ode will lose her prime position amongst the prominent, preeminent Yoruba towns of repute.
The immediate past Awujale loomed large when he was here. He bestrode the land like a colossal figure. He was a cultural ambassador, knowledgeable and principled. Hence, everything humanly possible must be done to sustain the enviable height the late Oba brought to Ijebu-land in the process of choosing a successor.
The process has been anything but smooth. It has been generating a whole lot of hue and cry. This is not unexpected. Everyone wants to be an Awujale, but not everyone has what it takes to be one. The Awujale throne is not for every Tom, Dick, and Harry. This is where Omoba Ademorin Aliu Kuye comes in.
Ademorin Kuye, who is presently a House of Representatives member, is a bonafide member of Funsengbuwa Ruling House. He is not an interloper nor an impostor. He is a man of impeccable character who has not soiled his image despite his long years in public service, same in the private sector before his voyage to the public sector.
Kuye’s worldview has been shaped in pursuit of excellence all his life. The Awujale’s stool needs a knowledgeable and astute personality. Someone who will not bring shame and disrepute to the throne. The stool needs someone who will not engage in historical revisionism, but someone who will sustain the respect and enhance the high level of regard that the Awujale throne has earned over the years, particularly during the reign of Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
One thing is clear: Omoba Ademorin Kuye has what it takes to bring honour, respect, dignity, panache, and enduring institutional development not just to the throne but to all Ijebus, both home and diaspora. His trajectory in life is a signpost to this fact. Despite his network and connections in high places, he still carries himself without airs. His self-worth is within. Of course, the royal aura is palpable, but he still relates with everyone equally, with a sense of justice and fairness. He has a deeply listening ear. He has not, for once, used his attainments and position in life to oppress anyone. Egoistic voyage is not part of him.
To have attained Local Government Executive Secretary, Local Government Chairman, Commissioner, and presently House of Representatives member, amongst other positions in public service, signifies that Omoba Kuye is a bridge builder and a man who cultivates building sustainable relationships with people. Winning the confidence of the people is sine qua non to a successful outing in elective office. To succeed as an Oba in modern times, you must know how to manage human relationships. That’s when the people will willingly submit to your authority without question.
Omoba Ademorin Kuye has demonstrated capacity in human management. As a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy for four solid years in Lagos State between 2011 and 2015, it can be said that Hon. Kuye has undergone a crash course and gained practical experience in Obaship institution. During his commissionership, he had constant engagement, deep interaction, and understudied the Royal Fathers at the highest level, coupled with inborn royal attributes. Therefore, he can’t be seen as a novice in Obaship institution and management techniques. His experience will most certainly serve as a headstart as an Awujale.
As a lawyer and solicitor, adjudication of justice is something that will definitely drive his undertakings. This is the kind of expensive experience and personality we need in the new Awujale. In addition, the highly knowledgeable Omoba Ademorin Kuye is fully abreast of the history of Ijebu-land. He will always engage in consensus building to preserve the historical prestige of our land. He knows what’s next for Ijebu development, given the opportunity. He will work in sync with the government of the day and complement government efforts with his personal initiatives, tapping into his reservoir of knowledge and network.
The quality of his friends and network is one that will add value to the throne of Awujale. Omoba Ademorin Kuye won’t be coming to the throne to stain it, but mainly to enhance the throne of Awujale to the administration of all.
Finally, worthy of note is the enduring engagement of Omoba Ademorin Kuye with the yearly Ojude Oba Festival. His involvement is notable. As the Baba Egbe Obayori, a position he assumed in 2018, he has been very instrumental to the various great outings of the group, both morally and financially. Thus, his close affinity and involvement in what binds us together as Ijebus is worthy of note.
The attainment of Omoba Ademorin Kuye to the throne will definitely be a blessing to all Ijebus and not a misadventure. His trajectory of success in life has really prepared him for the task ahead. Our revered Afobajes, the screening committee, and those who hold the authority in the process of selecting the new Awujale must rise above pecuniary consideration. They must consider what each contestant is bringing to the table to engage the image of Ijebu-land. Omoba Ademorin Kuye is first among equals, putting all parameters into consideration. May good reasoning prevail.
Olootu Abimbola Adedeji writes from Porogun Quarters Ijebu Ode.
