By Rotimi Fasan

 UP until that moment I entered this gathering where monarchs outnumbered ‘commoners’, I had no idea of how royals behave in the company of other monarchs. My moment of truth was the retreat, conceived as a conference and refresher course towards re-inventing and sustaining traditional rulership, organised by traditional rulers from the Osun Central Division in Osu State.

For a conference of traditional rulers there could hardly have been a better choice of venue than the aptly-named Royal Spring Hotel, a well-appointed hospitality facility in the serene town of Ijabe on the border between Osun and Kwara states. Not only did these royal fathers see the need to equip themselves physically, spiritually and intellectually for the task of providing the right leadership for their people, they were prepared to be told and to tell themselves some home truths. These fathers were prepared for the chastising, cleansing and ultimately liberating words of the invited resource persons- their children as it were. It was stock-taking moment, time for self-analysis, examination and re-examination of governance in the grassroots. The theme of the conference, ‘Towards Self Appraisal and Reinvention’ spoke directly to the heartfelt intentions of the conveners.

Diverse aspects of traditional governance, the challenges of traditional rule and prospects for reinventing it, and sustaining its relevance in a fast-paced digital age were examined under several sub-themes and perspectives during sessions between, August 3-4. Some of the topics include functions of traditional rulers, conducts expected of traditional rulers, the relationship between traditional rulership and modern government system; conduct considered dignifying for traditional rulers, etc. Other topics concerned how traditional rulers can manage stress and monitor their health, a session that stirred much interest among the Kabiyesis that were advised to cut down on their enjoyment of those juicy but potentially deadly perks of royal existence, including women, food and booze. Yet other topics were how traditional institutions are funded in Yorubaland, legal challenges of traditional institutions and unity among traditional rulers.

The speakers were as varied in experience and training as they were in orientation –academics, in service or retired; legal experts and persons whom age and experience have conferred with enough wisdom to speak on the issues at hand- but all were united by the high level of the discussions, the profundity of their expositions and the frankness with which they all spoke. It was indeed time for thorough soul-searching, the moment when truth could and was spoken to power and/or glory. It is not the usual practice for monarchs to be silent while their people spoke, but that was the case here. They listened, took copious notes and asked questions that showed their attentiveness, a fact that was borne by the discipline with which the Kabiyesis sat through the sessions for long hours with tea and lunch breaks pushed off interminably. One fact was obvious: Yoruba obas are among the most educated you can find anywhere in the country. It was surprising how many of them can read, write and hold informed conversations without the interruptions of anxious aides. This should not be surprising when it is realised that quite a number of them were highly educated and successful people in their various endeavours before ascending to the thrones of their fathers. At least two of the Kabiyesis, including the Olufi of Gbongan, hold doctorate degrees. Others have one form or another of tertiary education with wide knowledge of the world. Not only did they understand what they were gathered for but they also had enough in them to impart in the invited speakers who were nevertheless obliged to deliver their talk in Yoruba and English. Speaking on the theme of dignity among traditional rulers, I was assured by others that my presentation was not bad. But looking back I still feel squeamish standing to speak the Yoruba language before the custodians of the language.

The ball had, however, been set rolling by HRM, the Akirun of Ikirun, who spoke after the welcome address by the Orangun of Ila. With his power-point presentation, the elderly Akirun took his audience through his talk with ease. By the time it was the turn of Bishop Leke Abegunrin of the Osogbo Catholic Diocese to speak, followed shortly by Professor Olu Aina, the tradition of bilingual presentation had been established. But it was the retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin, who first broke the tradition of standing to speak as their royal majesties wanted him seated even without his asking. His example was followed by Pa Omigbodun who at nearly hundred had the presence of mind to sit through the two days of the conference.  Looking quite smart for his 85 odd years, Justice Babalakin spoke on the legal challenges of traditional institutions. The episode of the deposed Deji of Akure, Oluwadare Adesina Adepoju, touched on by various speakers, including the Olokuku of Okuku was sobering for the royal fathers. It was more or less the consensus of the audience that the deposed Deji must have been under the wicked spell of his enemies. The last talk of the second day centred on the need and prospect for unity among the Yoruba and it was given by Siyan Oyeweso, Professor of History and Provost of the College of Humanities and Culture of the Osun State University. His discussion took forward aspects of the theme of a previous paper by his former teacher, Professor Ishola Olomola, whose exposition on Yoruba origin and history was an eye-opener for many of the Kabiyesis. It wasn’t all work though. To some live music by the poolside on the night of the first day, conferees had time to unbend with Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Like many of the royal visitors, including the youthful and amiable Aragbiji of Iragbiji who hosted the conference, Governor Oyinlola can really move.