The traditional institution occupies an exalted position within our societal formulation. They are an enduring nexus of heritage, authority, and moral stewardship that goes beyond temporal governance. Traditional rulers and leaders, far from being mere custodians of the past, are pivotal architects of social cohesion – they have an influence that forms an amalgam of ancestral wisdom and contemporary relevance. This role is both fundamental and exquisitely sensitive; it is an orchestration of power and benevolence that sustains peace amidst the tumult of modern challenges. These luminaries embody a sacred mandate, and their counsel is a stabilising force that elevates governance beyond the mundane, and it is indeed a principle I hold in the highest regard.
The stature of traditional leaders exists in the very heart of governance, where they serve as bastions of legitimacy and arbiters of harmony. Peace, the cornerstone of our societal flourishing, owes an immeasurable debt to their discreet diplomacy, resolving conflicts with a finesse that political mechanisms often lack. I perceive their leadership as a divine endowment, a complementary pillar to elected authority that infuses governance with humility and accountability. I think that in a land as culturally rich as ours, the presence of traditional institutions is indispensable to ensure that progress is rooted in the dignity of our origins.
During my recent political consultations across Oyo State, I had the special honour of visiting the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sir Eddy Oyewole “KSG,” at his regal palace in Molete, Ibadan South West Local Government. This encounter was a moment of pride for me, heightened by the fact that Foko is the cradle of my own upbringing, a place where my roots connect with his lineage. Standing before the venerable figure whose historical relevance mirrors the purpose and beauty of Ibadan, I felt a deep connection to my heritage, I find the palace as a reflection of the surviving legacy of our royal dynasty.
The discourse that ensued was a masterclass in wisdom, imbuing me with renewed confidence in my political pursuit. Oba Oyewole, despite his old age, dispensed counsel with a clarity that pierced through the complexities of modern leadership, as well as emphasised the primacy of public welfare and the sanctity of integrity. His advice to harmonise traditional insights with contemporary governance points to the sensitivity of his role, urging me to heed the grassroots and preserve our cultural ethos. This exchange, rich with depth and foresight, was more than a mere visit; it was a reaffirmation of the traditional institution’s role, bolstering my resolve to navigate this journey with the sagacity he imparted.
I think this august encounter has further illuminated the indispensable influence of traditional leaders, of course a realisation that fortifies my resolve to collaborate with them as governor. I also find Osi Olubadan’s guidance on unity, ethical stewardship, and love very enriching, it highlights the sensitive yet commanding stature of his position. This visit underscores the necessity of honouring their counsel and making sure that the future of Oyo State is as robust as its past. I am more determined to lead with the insight they offer and seek their partnership as I advance. Oyo state will be in safe hands.
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo APC Gubernatorial Aspirant
APC, PROGRESS!
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa.
AKK!! Ajose Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task that must be done.
Monday, August 4, 2025
