Kanmi Ademuliyi looks at the transformation of Kabiyesi Alayeluwa Ojutalayo’s similar odyssey from an accomplished professional into royal father…
Kabiyesi’s transformation is a unique experience. Hitherto the defining moment has been to be associated as a prime mover in a cutting edge professional practice in which he was pivotal in building up from scratch.
Nevertheless, the transition from a notable professional into today’s regal gait has been remarkably seamless. It obviously comes naturally, which is why he wears it so well. Long term associates observe that the aristocratic mien has always been discernable, even when he was astutely building a reputation as a savvy practitioner. This in itself must have conferred an advantage in a profession best navigated by building on perceived trustworthiness.
Today, Alayeluwa Ojutalayo has risen to the position of Sooko Olofin of Ife, a royal title for super princes of Ife.
For the uninitiated, princes from the source who are elevated to the position of Sooko become super princes and they become diners with the Olofin. This means that they are given royal roles to play and elevated in status in society.
In his narrative, “as Sooko Olofin, my transition has started. As you know, even the Ooni has to take the title of Sooko before ascending the throne.”
Oba Ojutalayo is emphatic that he did not have a plan of transition which he has carefully navigated.
“To become a royal father does not require one’s planning; it is God Almighty who anoints royal heads. You receive the divine call to be king and it happens that way.”
And how about his family? How have they collaterally followed the transition? He has a very urbane wife and a cosmopolitan brood.
Intriguing as to how they have coped. Obviously, Oba Ojutalayo’s clan’s men do not believe that they been thrown back into a feudal garb. Family sources say that they have always enjoyed the traditions of Ile-Ife.
Cosmopolitan, yes; but they have never been cut off from their root. Since they have always been proud to come from “The Source”, adapting to the royal position was natural.
“They did not need any special schooling. Royalty is in their blood,” he said.
Nevertheless, despite a seamless transition, he is still very much in tune with the estate surveying profession. He made his mark there and was at the vanguard of a generation schooled and steeped in international best practices. He agrees that, like all the other professions, estate surveying, as practised in Nigeria, has been undergoing serious challenges.
He obviously has to be diplomatic in his response; nevertheless, a discernible sense of unease comes through. It is best expressed in his own words.
In his observation: “There has been an increase in the number of graduating estate surveyors. The downturn of the economy has created a situation whereby jobs are scarce. Even professional practices struggle with each other to obtain briefs.” This is the downside.
However, it is not entirely negative. The positives, as Oba Ojutalayo points out, are that, “the Council of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has put in place the machinery to ensure that professional standards are not compromised. There is a regular training scheme for practitioners and there is a disciplinary committee.”
Despite the bugbears, he is emphatic that “estate surveyors know that theirs is a noble profession”.
Nevertheless, with globalisation and the world becoming a global village, Ojutalayo is emphatic that the Nigerian professional cannot afford to live in isolation. However, those in the profession of estate surveying have a significant role to play in developing the economy.
In his view, “It is desirable that estate surveyors encourage Nigerians to look inward and invest their foreign funds in Nigeria. If the Nigerian assets abroad are valued and re-invested in Nigeria, it will be possible to have investors come in as they did in places like Dubai.
“The Atlantic City being built by The Lagos State Government deserves a special support by estate surveyors and valuers. In other words, we need to look at the international market and actively promote Nigeria.”
To play on the well-worn cliche, are we to say that “uneasy is the Christian who becomes a kabiyesi?” A deliberately mischievous postulation. Oba Ojutalayo is unfazed. He remains unswervingly a Christian, period!
He is, however, not a bigot. He is a Christian, yes, but he is also an Oba in a kingdom known to contain Muslims and adherents of traditional religions.
He certainly does not interpret his role as hindering others from practising their belief systems.
His words: “I try as much as possible to show tolerance, but I am honest enough to let them know that I do not follow their way.”
Remarkably accommodating, he is a civilised monarch.
Nevertheless, he is resolute that “one requires a lot of godly help and spirituality to overcome the many trials of the throne”.
The Kabiyesi, armed with an unwavering belief in God, looks good and solid enough for a long reign.
Charming, urbane and unashamedly intellectual Alayeluwa Ojutalayo provides a fascinating study of how to weave modernity seamlessly with the preservation of culture. Quite endearing!