A United Kingdom-based chief, the Yeye Meso of Ijare and Yeye Bobagunwa of Akure, both in Ondo State, Mrs. Sefunmi Olawumi, has deplored the recent ban placed by the state government on closure of markets by traditional rulers.
She made this known in a statement made available to reporters.
Chief Olawumi said the ban was in bad faith, a denigration of traditional institution targeted at the people of Akure, who she alleged the governor hated.
“The recent ban of traditional festivals is a denigration of our traditional institution. It is the least expected of a governor, who championed the Amotekun cause and the need for oneness of the Yoruba race. We all clapped for him on the Amotekun idea, little did we know that the tradition, custom and culture of our people will be under attack under his watch,” she said.
Olawumi said although she was a supporter of any genuine intention to modify some traditions, especially the Aheregbe Festival in Akure due to the repeated incursion of miscreants, who used it as an opportunity to hijack it, this could have been done in “the best, decent and dignifying way”.
She said the action of the governor was akin to bullying of natural rulers, adding that this should be a source of concern to every right thinking Yoruba at home and in the diaspora.
“Recently, the governor boasted that he feared no one except God and his conscience. The truth of the matter is that such unneeded outburst of Mr. Governor might have been aimed at subjecting traditional institutions to whimsical manipulation, thereby making them a toothless bulldog,” she said.
Urging the governor to rescind the decision, which she called unpopular, she alleged that Akure people appeared to be target of the government.
“What exactly is the sin of the Akure people and their institutions? Must we suffer unjustly because we are the state capital? Must our tradition and custom be a subject of mockery because we appear not to be in the good book of Mr. Governor? Will Mr. Governor make a similar pronouncement against the Olowo of Owo, the traditional ruler of his home town, during the coming Ugogo Festival where beating of drums is prohibited for seven days?” Olawumi asked.