From last week continues the narrative on the emergence of Dr Moses Majekodunmi as administrator of Western Nigeria following the declaration of emergency rule. Dr Majekodunmi had gone ahead to make key  appointments, including Prince Daniel Ademiluyi who served as  Commissioner/Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Prince Adeleke Ademiluyi was elected to the Western House of Assembly in 1954 to represent Ile-Ife Central. Prince Ademiluyi’s political career saw him appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry from 1954-1959. He later became Chairman of Western Nigeria Development Corporation from 1963-1966.  He was the father of the famous journalist, Prince Kanmi Ademiluyi. 

Other appointees were Oba of Benin, Akenzua II; the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Tewogboye II; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinyele; the Olu of Warri, Erejuwa II; and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba S.O. Abimbola. Two Ministers Messrs S.T. Rufai and F. Lamina were appointed to assist in two Ministries, including the Ministry of Justice. 

The appointment of the Obas was an acknowledgement of the contribution of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s struggles for independence. No doubt, the traditional rulers were involved in pre-independence struggles for Nigeria’s independence like the politicians. 

For example, at the London Nigeria’s Constitutional Conference on Monday July 27, 1953, the following traditional rulers attended the conference.  The Ooni of Ife, Sir Adesoji Aderemi; the Olowo of Owo, Sir Olateru Olagbegi (1910-1998; regional Minister without portfolio); the Obi of Idumuje Ugboko Kingdom in Aniocha North in Delta State; Obi Justin Nkezie Nwoko (1926-1955) and the Emir of Katsina, Sir Usman Nagogo Dan Muhammadu Dikki (1905-March 18, 1981), 47th Emir of Katsina.

Others who attended the conference were Chief Bode Thomas, Chief S. L. Akintola, Chief Arthur Prest, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Western Regional Minister of Local Government, Chief Rotimi Williams, S. O. Shonibare, S. O. Awokoya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Latifu J. Dosumu, Mrs. Tanimowo Ogunlesi, G. C. Nonyelu, Alfred Ogbeyiwa Rewane and Mallam Mudi Sipikin.

Others were Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, K. O. Mbadiwe, E. O. Eyo, Mallam Bello Ijumu, Kolawole Balogun, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, N. P. Birabi, V. A. Nwankwo, N. N. Mbile, L. P. Ojukwu, E. G. Gundu, D. C. Osadebay, Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, Chief H. Omo Osagie, Chief Yamu Numa, Chief F. S. Edah, Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Aliyu, M.H.R., Makama Bida. 

The rest were Abba Habib, Pastor David Lot, Mallam Ibrahim Imam, Mallam Saladu Alamanu, G. U. Ohikere, Benjamin Akiga, Mohammadu Ribadu, Mallam Dauda Kwoi, Shehu Ahmadu, Sarkin Shanu, Mallam Nuhu Bamalle, Mallam Aminu Kano, Mallam Abubakar Zukogi, E. M. L. Endeley, Rev. J. C. Kangsen, Eyo Ita, A. C. Nwapa, Okoi Arikpo, J. A. Wachuku and Dr. E. U. Udoma.

Let’s take a look at the profile of other traditional rulers appointed as Ministers by Dr. Majekodunmi as Administrator.

Oba Samuel Omotosho Abimbola was the Oluwo of Iwo between 1958 and 1982. He was one of the most respected kings in Yorubaland at that time. 

Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele (April 18, 1882 – May 30, 1965) became an active member of the Christ Apostolic Church and was, for a long, its head in Ibadan. He also became a chief and thus rose steadily in the traditional hierarchy headed from 1936 by an Oba, the Olubadan. He became Otun Balogun and then, in late 1953, Balogun. Problems were expected because the title had close association with the traditional Yoruba religion, which makes it difficult for a devout Christian to hold it. But the problems were overcome and Oba Akinyele rose steadily to the Oba’s throne. 

Oba Isaac Akinyele was involved in politics as a party supporter of the Action Group, AG. His political interests conflicted with those of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, NCNC, which controlled the Ibadan District Council, and its local boss, Adegoke Adelabu. In February 1955, he was elected Olubadan of Ibadan having previously served as Chief Judge. 

Oba Akinyele’s rule was soon engulfed in the turbulent political developments in Western Nigeria, the result of the growing rift in the Action Group between its leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (March 6, 1909 –  May 9, 1987) and his deputy and Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola (6 July 1910 – 15 January 1966) in 1962. 

To be concluded 

•Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.