How traditional rulers can help fight corruption and promote good governance in Nigeria – Oluwo of Iwo land

The Oluwo of the land of Iwo, Abdulrosheed Akanbisays corruption would be reduced to a minimum in Nigeria when traditional rulers join in scrutinizing the activities of politicians.

Akanbi, who lamented the high rate of corruption in the government, blamed the politicians and called on traditional rulers across the country to control the activities of politicians to achieve good governance.

The first-class traditional ruler of Osun state made the call Monday at the launch of his book, titled “Code of Kings,” published to mark his seventh year on the throne.

“Politicians need someone who will always check and balance. And the only people who can do it are us, the royal parents,” she said.

“We can see so much corruption in the land. So where are we headed with this kind of democracy if there is no one to check up on the politicians over corruption and bad governance? We want to prepare kings for this role,” she added.

The monarch also complained that the constitution does not recognize or assign roles to traditional rulers across the country.

“I can see that dream that we are going to be recognized constitutionally. Like it or not, politicians can’t do it alone and we as kings, especially me as the supreme ruler, are being relegated, and it all falls on us,” he added.

“Our towns and cities, all the problems fall on the kings, including security problems. The government cannot handle security, infrastructure growth and development. Everything falls on the king.

The monarch said his book was written to challenge traditional rulers on how to prepare for the next generation.

“I have seen this and we are working on it. And that is why the Code of Kings is to tell kings how we should behave and do things for ourselves. How we should prepare for the next generation of our newfound democracy that must include kings. You have to,” he said.

“Code of Kings are the guidelines on how to prepare; because what we are saying now is that the kings are relegated and we want our monarchy to be respected and we want them to represent the culture and traditions and not the homemade religion of some peoples. Kings are God’s representatives on earth. Kings must bow to nothing but their Creator who owns them. Traditions and culture is how we greet, we wear our clothes; It’s not about religion. So I’m a custodian of religion and culture; religion leaves the palace. There is a lot in the Code of Kings,” he added.

“Today we see many kings go to churches and mosques where prayers are held. But where are prayers answered? That is what we have to answer. The only place where prayers are being answered is the house of authority, and that is the palace,” he emphasized.

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“The King’s palace is where prayers are answered. What we are finding in places of worship are answers. So the person who has the palace now goes to the place of worship. It’s like an ocean trying to get water out of the well.”

However, Akanbi stressed that he is willing to accept criticism of his book.

“When you challenge the status quo or come to the fore, people have to criticize. We are the first to be attacked. So I’m ready for it. I don’t have to be worried. I am prepared for criticism as a reformer.”

Review

At the launch, the book was reviewed by Adeola Faleye, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

The book has 359 pages and 20 chapters. According to the reviewer, “the book explained, clarified and also justified the need for a revision of cultural values ​​in the state of Yoruba royalty. All emphases are claimed for a better perspective of the nation.

“It also tells the history and development of the Iwo land and highlights the position and faith of the Oluwo in the Yoruba tradition, especially the cultures that deal with royalty.

“In each chapter, the author addresses different topics, beginning with the history of the kingdom of Iwo,” Faleye said.