BY ABU-SATAR HAMED 

The recent criticism directed at His Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, and his fellow traditional rulers over the rejection of a gift allegedly presented through Hon. Ladi Adebutu deserved a more balanced and objective assessment.

Those who have condemned the actions of the monarchs should first ask themselves a simple question: Was the Olu of Ilaro expected to accept what many perceived as a "Trojan Horse" capable of undermining the collective aspiration of Ogun West at this crucial moment in its political history?

For more than five decades, the people of Ogun West have patiently waited for the opportunity to produce the Governor of Ogun State. Today, many believe that opportunity has finally arrived. It is therefore understandable that the traditional institution, as the custodian of the people's collective interest, would be vigilant against any action capable of creating division, distraction, or unnecessary controversy.

Rejecting a gift under such circumstances should not be interpreted as an act of hostility or intolerance. Rather, it reflected the discretion of traditional rulers who understand the enormous responsibility placed upon them by history and by their people.

It is equally important to recognize that every kingdom, town, village, and community has its own customs, traditions, and protocols. Traditional rulers are guided by these long-established values in determining what is acceptable within their domains. Respect for these customs is fundamental to preserving the dignity and integrity of our traditional institutions.

Those attempting to politicise the decision should remember that the issue extended beyond personalities. It concerns the protection of a collective aspiration that generations of Ogun West sons and daughters have nurtured for decades. Any action capable of sending mixed signals or sowing seeds of discord should naturally be approached with caution.

Public commentators are entitled to their opinions. However, such opinions should be anchored in fairness and an appreciation of the unique role traditional rulers play as custodians of peace, culture, and communal harmony. Reducing every action of a monarch to partisan politics does a disservice not only to the traditional institution but also to the people it served.

At this defining moment in Ogun West's history, unity must take precedence over political theatrics. Rather than faulting the Yewa traditional rulers for exercising their judgment, well-meaning citizens should commend them for placing the collective interest of their people above every other consideration.

History has shown that great causes are often protected by difficult decisions. Whether one agrees with the monarchs or not, their commitment to safeguarding what they believe to be the collective interest of Yewaland deserved respect, not condemnation.

As Yoruba people, we have a rich cultural heritage that places great value on respect for elders, traditional institutions, and the sanctity of our ancestral homes. It is therefore unbecoming for anyone raised with those values to disparage the very institution that symbolises our collective identity. 

As the Yoruba saying goes, one does not use the left hand to point at one's father's house. Those who truly understand our culture should know better than to ridicule or undermine the custodians of our cherished traditions.

Just thinking out of the box!

*Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed is a veteran and season journalist and Convener/National President League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP).