“Don’t Go Near The Throne If You Cannot Practice Isese” – Olowo of Owo

Any Prince who is entitled to the throne but cannot practice Isese should not bother seeking to be a King.

This was the submission of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye when he received members of International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR, led by Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, the president of The Council, at his palace.

Ọba Ogunoye called on all kingmakers across the Yoruba States in Nigeria and beyond to abide by the customs and traditions of their forebearers.

Oba Ogunoye emphasised the need for all true Yoruba sons and daughters to preserve their culture and tradition, saying that modernization should be adopted in line with the traditional dictates of the land and should not be allowed to erode the identity of the people.

He called on the traditional rulers toying with the idea of adopting foreign religion over Yoruba traditional religion to vacate the throne.

“I am glad to receive The Council on this visit and at this crucial period. It is pertinent to emphasize the importance of preserving our culture and tradition while we call on true sons and daughters of Yoruba land anywhere in the world to see this as a wake up call to protect the values cherished by their forbearers.

“Anyone who is not ready to promote the indigenous culture of the Yoruba land should stay away from the position of Oba or abdicate the throne as Yoruba is a special race endowed with peculiar heritage, including religion.

“We all know the throne derives its essence from ancient Yoruba tradition and we know all Princes are entitled to the throne, but whoever among them that cannot abide by the custom of the land needs not vie for the throne.”

The President, International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode said their visit was to thank the Monarch for his promotion and protection of Yoruba heritage.