Globalisation, digitalisation threaten Yoruba heritage, values, says Aiyedatiwa
…Urges monarchs to lead cultural revival, strengthen grassroots security
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has raised concerns over the growing threat posed by globalisation and digital transformation to the preservation of the Yoruba language, traditions, cultural values and moral standards.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke yesterday at the opening of a three-day workshop for traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of the state, urged monarchs to take the lead in safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and transmitting its values to younger generations.
The workshop, organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs at the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME), Akure, was themed: “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”
The governor said the rapid pace of globalisation and digitalisation had created new challenges for indigenous cultures, warning that Yoruba language, customs and moral values could gradually lose their place if deliberate efforts were not made to preserve them.
He therefore charged the traditional rulers to promote indigenous industries and instil values such as honesty, hard work, discipline and respect in the younger generation.
According to him, traditional institutions had remained the bedrock of governance, law, peace and order in Yoruba land long before the emergence of modern democratic structures.
Aiyedatiwa described traditional rulers as the authorities closest to the people, custodians of history and heritage, first-line conflict mediators and the moral compass of their communities.
He however, stressed that while the traditional institution must adapt to contemporary realities, it should not lose its sacred identity and historical relevance.
The governor said no government policy, irrespective of how well conceived, could achieve meaningful and sustainable results at the grassroots without the active support, counsel and leadership of traditional rulers.
He urged the monarchs to deploy dialogue, mediation and diplomacy in resolving land and boundary disputes, chieftaincy disagreements and inter-community conflicts, noting that peace remained a fundamental prerequisite for development.
On security, Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, while deepening collaboration with federal security agencies.
He urged the traditional rulers to deploy their extensive community networks, including hunters and community associations, to gather intelligence, identify suspicious movements, report criminal elements and strengthen community policing.
The governor also challenged the monarchs to become active partners in economic development by facilitating access to land for agricultural and industrial investments, encouraging education, discouraging youth restiveness and promoting primary healthcare, sanitation and other community development initiatives.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the traditional institution, promising continued recognition and involvement of monarchs in major policy decisions affecting local administration.
Aiyedatiwa described the partnership between government and the traditional institution as “an indispensable alliance for progress.”
He said the three-day programme, described as the first of its kind in the state, was designed to expose traditional rulers to contemporary approaches to conflict management, legal frameworks, security cooperation and community administration.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the initiative was conceived by the administration to strengthen the traditional institution and enhance its effectiveness in addressing contemporary grassroots challenges.
Takuro said the governor had consistently demonstrated commitment to the programme, adding that the large turnout of monarchs reflected their commitment to peace and development in the state.
He said the workshop would equip traditional rulers with modern tools for dispute resolution, inter-community harmony, crime detection and collaboration with security agencies, while enhancing their capacity to promote grassroots economic investment and protect the state’s cultural heritage.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, described the workshop as unprecedented, saying it demonstrated Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to equipping traditional rulers to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Ogunoye commended the governor for his support for the traditional institution, particularly the distribution of new vehicles to monarchs, completion of the Oba’s House, which had remained uncompleted under successive administrations, and approval of five per cent of local government revenue for the upkeep of the traditional institution.
He said the workshop would help establish minimum expectations for traditional rulers while providing them with an opportunity to renew their knowledge and improve their performance.
The monarch assured the governor of the continued prayers and support of the traditional institution, saying the monarchs had witnessed his administration’s efforts towards the development of the state.
Also speaking, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, said he had spent 11 years on the throne without witnessing a seminar of such magnitude, commending the governor for organising the programme.
He described traditional rulers as custodians of culture and said the monarchs stood to benefit substantially from the workshop.
Similarly, the Kalasue of Apoi in Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Sunday Amusehan, said he had not witnessed such a gathering since his enthronement about nine years ago.
Amusehan said the workshop would provide an avenue for traditional rulers to exchange ideas on traditions, customs and culture, compare practices across communities and strengthen relationships among neighbouring communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Felix Ohagwu, represented by CSP Taiwo Adeniji, described the workshop as timely, given the strategic role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, resolving communal disputes, preserving cultural heritage and assisting security agencies in crime prevention.
He assured the monarchs that the police command would continue to strengthen collaboration with them through regular engagements, intelligence sharing and community-oriented policing initiatives.
Among those at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Olusegun Odusanya; members of the State Executive Council; political appointees; and Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua, among other dignitaries.
