God determines our steps – Oba Idowu Adediwura, Obalufe of Ife-Ife

by Lanre Hassan

My ascendancy to the position of Obalufe, the traditional Prime Minister of Ife land is a divine arrangement by the Lord Almighty through the God given wisdom of His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Akande Ogunwusi,’

 PLATFORMS AFRICA recently had a chat with the Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura and we were able to get understanding on his role as the traditional Prime Minister of Ife kingdom.

He started by saying that his ascendancy to the position was through a divine intervention and that the Lord used His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to make him attain the position.

His belief in the power of God is so strong that he retorted that said no one makes themselves anything without the approval of God and that in his own case the consenting authority which is the Ooni gave expressed approval after a period of delay concerning the seat.

Considering the fact that it never crosses his mind to become a traditional chief at least not so soon, he said a positive twist of faith occurred during one of his regular visits home.

A trade unionist with the Nigerian Maritime Authority, Apapa, Lagos State, his new status makes it mandatory for him to be residence in Ile-Ife as it demands daily intervention in conflict resolution, peace building and management of community affairs as the traditional Head of Council of Chiefs in Ife land.

Thus, the change in the direction of his life’s plan made him to hold steadfastly to trust in God in everything that happens to him.

On the significance of Obalufe title in Ile-Ife, Oba Adediwura went down the memory lane to explain that the first holder of the title called Ajagbusi otherwise known as Orunto was a divine child with no identified parents.

He said Orunto descended from heaven with Agbongbon who happens to be the second in command to Araba Agbaye and that Orunto is a shortened form of the phrase Omo ti Orun gba to meaning ‘a child nurse by the heavens’.

Furthermore, he said the Obalufe title is a preserve of Orunto compound and that the title is rotated among four sub units of the compound namely Ajagbusi the founder and his three children Adogbodo, Aga and Jaojo. He was quick to add that the title of Obalufe has been gazette by the state government to ensure that the office is rotated among the four sub units of Orunto compound.

Oba Adediwura informed PLATFORMS AFRICA that among his duties are the administration of Ile-Ife, and especially acting on behalf of His Imperial Majesty at home and outside the city.

He further said since the Ooni rarely leaves his palace, Obalufe as the Ooni Ode (outer Ooni) relates with the people more and get in touch with Ooni for information purpose. True to this, people around attest to it that Obalufe works round the clock to ensure that there is peace and tranquility in Ile-Ife and the surrounding communities.

On how he relates with the Ooni, Oba Adediwura said it is compulsory for every Obalufe to enjoy the confidence and cordiality of the Ooni because he is official representative outside the palace in matters that has to do with Ile-Ife and her citizens.

According to him, it is rather impossible for any Obalufe to function in his capacity without the consent and support of the Imperial Majesty Ooni. And that in the past, Obalufe usually relate with Ooni through Lowa, the head of palace chiefs and receive response through same source who will report saying ‘Baba wii’ meaning Baba said thus the origin of the phrase Baba wii which is now popular in Ile-Ife and its environs.

However, in this high technology age, both Ooni and Obalufe relates easily on phones. For this Obalufe is eternally grateful to Ooni Ogunwusi for the opportunity.

Even at that, Lowa still plays his middle man role.

Oba Idowu Adediwura said he will want the political class to restore back the old glory and honor of traditional rulers.

He referred to the politicians as AFUNSO that is caretaker who has tenure of office unlike traditional rulers whose reign is till death.

Also, he would want them to realize that public administration and governance in Yoruba land was actually IJOBA meaning the government of the kings.

He canvassed for specific roles for traditional rulers in modern government to reduce cases of kidnapping, banditry and other social vices that usually occurred in the communities because the traditional rulers are closer to the grass root more than the politicians.

In the meantime, Obalufe of Ile-Ife said the political class either elected or appointed should avail themselves the opportunity of getting the best from the local communities by giving respect to and seeking guidance from the traditional rulers.

Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura took time to single out the contribution of His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife to peacebulding in Nigeria generally and Yoruba land in particular. He said Ooni is his Baba from whom he has learnt a lot.

He appeal to sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and Yoruba land to rally round the Ooni in his drive to make the Oduduwa heritage proud.

He prayed for healthy and long reign of Ooni.

 Hassan,  a biographer and personal brand manager, can be reach via test message only , +234 806 714 3624