His Royal Majesty Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude Tegbosun III, CON, the 13th Olowu of Kuta kingdom, Osun State is the permanent chairman of the Supreme Royal Council of all Owu Obas and Chiefs in Yoruba land. Since his ascension to the throne 13 years ago, Oba Makama has not only transformed Owu Kuta, but he has also succeeded in making the town one of the tourist destinations in Osun State. The amiable monarch spoke to the Editor, FOLORUNSHO HAMSAT, on some of his admirable qualities; leadership, wisdom, justice, courage and compassion, which he demonstrates with integrity, including his clear vision for Kuta kingdom and the well-being and prosperity of his subjects. Excerpts…
What are the steps needed to install a king to avoid issues that can embarrass a community in the future?
I think we should follow the Yoruba dictum properly. We must not shy away from it. It is a traditional institution. We should follow the Yoruba culture and adhere to it strictly in installing our kings in Yorubaland. By doing so, there would not be frictions that could always cause embarrassments within the community and the society at large. Some kings do not even know why they’re being enthroned. But if proper tradition is followed and a law is gazetted to that effect, it would save us a lot.
Tell us about the latest developmental efforts for the Kuta community.
The latest development effort we’re making is aggressive youth emancipation. We’re empowering our youths in various skills. It’s not everybody that will be gainfully employed in a blue-chip company. But our youths are being re-orientated to get engaged in a lot of vocational skills.
What are the most important qualities a king should have to succeed on the throne?
For a king to succeed on the throne, he must be seen to be open, up and doing; he must win the heart and mind of a subject and, above all, must not engage in rabble-rousing. The king must be seen to be above primordial sentiments. He must be seen to be working for the interest of his people if he really wishes to succeed. And he should be father to all. If a king is able to attain all these, he will, no doubt, succeed.
How do you balance your role as a traditional and spiritual leader with the demands of modern Nigerian society?
To God be the glory, it has been quite easy balancing my position as a traditional ruler and spiritual leader, and as a pan-African and nationalist that truly believes in Project Nigeria. My primary assignment as a traditional ruler is to uphold culture and tradition. As a national leader, I always contribute my quota to assist the system where and when necessary and through the necessary channel.
As a sociable monarch, what principles would you say guard your royal decisions on your subjects and communit?
I have always told my subjects that this is a new Kuta where we have to change our orientation. We have to work in consonance with the global trend. This is not the kingdom of the old (laughs). It is a new generation kingdom. So, we have to conform in order not to be left behind. That is why you see me always on the road. Today you can find me in Sokoto, tomorrow you can find me in Ijebu-Ode, next tomorrow you can find me in Akure, and next you can find me in Abeokuta. My subjects understand that. These are parts of the investments we’re making to project our community.
What challenges would you say Kuta Kingdom faces currently that need the helping hand of the government to solve?
Our major challenge is road infrastructure, and we have been reaching out to the state and federal governments for support. With that in place, we believe that economic activities will be boosted.
What are the key areas where you collaborate with the government in moving Kuta Kingdom forward?
We’re corroborating with the state and federal governments in every way possible to maintain peace and security for the benefit of our people. And new developments can emanate internally other than through the government. Suffice to say that the community development is ongoing but we still need collaboration with the government with our political leaders, in terms of infrastructures, road networks and others.
As a stakeholder, where do you think is the place of Nigeria presently in the global arena?
Nigeria is trying. We’re doing our best. We’re just 65 years old. Nigeria as a nation is not doing badly. But we can still improve.
Given the rising security challenges across Nigeria, what is the role of traditional rulers in curbing insecurity, banditry and other crimes within communities?
The insecurity challenge we’re currently facing as a nation can be tackled if the traditional rulers are given constitutional roles and funded properly. Every crime is local. An average traditional ruler can identify a visitor that enters his domain. A traditional ruler has a lot of roles to play in providing security of life and properties within his domain.
Tell us about the legacies you’re working to achieve sir.
I want to be remembered as a man who came, saw and conquered. I want to be remembered as the architect of modern Kuta. Without being immodest, before my emergence as Kuta monarch, you could find Kuta on the internet. But Glory be to God, today, it’s a different story. I want to be remembered as a traditional ruler who loved his people and loved his culture with passion and without apologies. I want to be remembered as a traditional ruler without controversy, a true believer in African and Yoruba culture.
