The Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, has called for a constitutional role to define the responsibilities of traditional rulers in governance.
He warned that without such clarity, traditional rulers might continue to act arbitrarily.
The monarch made this known during a Journalist hangout tagged “An Evening with Olowu,” organized by the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Oba Matemilola emphasized that the role of traditional rulers should not be driven by personal ambition or a mere desire for status.
He cautioned against individuals assuming royal positions with the mindset that they can do as they please once enthroned.
“It’s important that there is a constitutional role which clearly defines the responsibilities of traditional rulers in governance. Unless we have that, we will continue to see monarchs acting arbitrarily after assuming office,” he stated.
The Olowu also decried the growing culture of materialism among the youth, attributing it to the misplaced priorities of society.
He lamented how wealth, regardless of its source, has become the ultimate measure of success, leading to the purchase of traditional and academic titles by individuals who flaunt riches at parties.
“To be honest, it’s difficult to blame the youth when society glorifies wealth over integrity. As long as someone sprays money, attends parties, and displays affluence, they can buy traditional or academic titles.
“This sends the wrong message to our young people, making them believe that acquiring wealth by any means is all that matters,” he said.
He stressed that the solution must begin from the home, noting that traditional values such as “Ranti omo eni ti iwo nse” (Remember the child of whom you are) and “Omo rere o san ju wura ati fadaka lo” (A good child is worth more than gold and silver) are no longer upheld.
According to the monarch, the youth learn by example, and if adults fail to demonstrate integrity, hard work, and leadership, the next generation will suffer the consequences.
“Unless we begin to change our orientation, the youth will continue to emulate what they see from adults. If we do not guide them properly, we are setting up future generations for failure and destroying the values we inherited,” he warned.
Addressing concerns raised by the NUJ Chairman regarding the lighting of the Iwe Iroyin premises, Oba Matemilola assured that the issue has been addressed.
“By God’s grace, we will ensure that the entire place is well-lit very soon. The doors to this hall will also be fixed, and other critical areas will be looked into after this program,” he assured.
