Oba Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom has a reason to celebrate. Within first 12 months on the throne of his forebears, the respected monarch has been able to bring transformation to the town, restoring peace and stability. For his subjects, Oba Olaniyan’s era is a prayer answered given his success in bringing developments to Ipokia Kingdom in so short a time. In this interview, Oba Olaniyan shares with the Editor, FOLORUNSHO HAMSAT secrets behind his success as Onipokia, his days as a socialite abroad and how fate bestowed on him the task to serve the people of Ipokia Kingdom and more. Enjoy reading…
Kabiyesi, tell us in brief the circumstances leading to your crowning as the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom.
After the former Onipokia joined our ancestors, our royal house, Iwaye Dodo Bioke was next in line to present candidate(s) for the next Onipokia based on the rotation that has been in existence since. Eight candidates showed interest, then according to tradition, Ifa oracle was consulted by the elders and chiefs in council, Ifa then revealed that all the candidates were okay to be crowned and as it is always done, according to Ogun State chiefs law, the kingmakers would then assemble at the local government council and vote to pick one person. The five kingmakers therefore voted for me after due consultation with the elders and the youth leaders because it was a collective effort. The election was in the presence of government officials, the elders and family members and they all voted for me as the most qualified and the next Onipokia.
As a prince of Ipokia who was entitled to the throne, did you envisage your becoming the king would come at the time you were invited for the crown?
Though I have always known myself to be a prince, yet, I never envisaged that one day I’ll be crowned as a king because it’s not something one can be so sure of. Besides, I had other ambitions in mind then, that was not even about becoming a king especially at the time it happened until God said this is the time. But we thank God Almighty who knows what no one knows, He is worthy of our praise.
You were a sociable Prince, kindly share with us how your social life was and would you say the Palace is already denying you that fun?
You are very right about my lifestyle before I became king. I wasn’t just a socialite, I was also a US based full time music and movie promoter which I still do on part time basis anyways. But my new position has affected that lifestyle because I can’t do some of the things I used to do then anymore. My mode of dressing, the places I used to hang out, the time I go out and come in, the kind of company I used to keep and many more has changed because now, one is seen as a leader and a role model; one must act as such.
Do you share the traditional code that a Yoruba king must have many wives and do you wish to practise this belief?
I don’t share that mindset, it’s a modern world and some things must change with time. Not only that, it’s a personal thing, there’s a saying that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Our forefathers used to pack women in the house because of their position and that doesn’t mean one should do the same. So, I don’t subscribe to that traditional code. I am not saying it’s wrong, all I am saying is that it is a personal choice for any Oba.
What are the first development plans you are prioritizing for the Ipokia Kingdom?
We have a lot of community development plans in place for Ipokia. What we have done is to lay the solid foundation by putting together a new blueprint for Ipokia on how we want to approach our developmental projects. We inaugurated committees specifically to target the urgent and immediate needs of the people cutting across areas such as education, healthcare, security, unemployment, building and construction committee among others. We have also resuscitated the annual Opo day celebration that has been not really held in a while. Of note, Opo day was created to bring Ipokia indigenes together during the New Year celebration to get to know each other more, share new ideas and contribute to the development of the community as a whole.
How did you manage to entrench peace and stability in Ipokia in just 15 months that you were crowned, having lived abroad far away from home for so long?
We have been able to maintain peace and harmony in Ipokia because the people of Ipokia are peace- loving. Not only that, Ipokia people have always shown me tremendous love and support since I ascended the throne, so that has helped to stabilise peace in the town and the neighbouring villages.
Apart from your young age, humility and industry acumen believed to have attracted you to the kingmakers and people of Ipokia, what other qualities do you think made you the choice over fellow qualified candidates to the crown?
I am not in the best position to list those qualities, the kingmakers, the youths and elders would probably be in the best position to answer that question because it was a collective effort that made it happen then. But I guess my exposure and education probably have something to do with their decision.
Have you been getting the cooperation of both the Ogun State government and your people in giving Ipokia your best, and what are the challenges that need to be tackled to fast-track execution of development plans?
The state government has been doing its best to support us but we still need a lot of help in the area of infrastructural developments. Our number one appeal to the state government is to help facilitate and fast track the opening of the abandoned tertiary institution. Well, either Ogun State University of Technology or Ogun State Polytechnic, whichever one they choose to name it. We want the process reactivated. Our people will sure be very accommodating hosts and the institution would reduce the suffering in traveling to other towns and states for tertiary education. Also, the socio-economic life within and around the community and the state at large will improve and it will also reduce the involvement of our youths in illegal activities, not to mention that education is the bedrock of every developed society.
As a foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland, what would be your frank view on the agitation for a separate Yoruba nation and do you think Nigeria is ripe for a breakup?
I do not know about foremost but I am sure of being first class and ancient stool. My take on that is, Nigeria as it is now is in a state of dilemma, nothing is working. I lived in the United States of America for 23 years and this is not how people are governed. There has to be some changes, it could be restructuring or otherwise, something has to be done, we cannot continue like this.
What was your ultimate action plan as a US-based Nigerian before you were invited to take the crown?
My plan has always been to return to Nigeria after 20 years to start my own business either in entertainment or something else to contribute my own quota to the society. So, relocating home at the time I did wasn’t unexpected, it was already in my plans long ago.
How would you describe life before and after becoming a king?
Big difference, my Olori and I had to adjust to a new lifestyle entirely. Like I stated earlier, not only that, it took a while to acclimatize with the weather and the environment having lived overseas for 23 years. But in all honesty, there is no place like home and we love this new experience.
What would you suggest as lasting solution to achieve peace and togetherness among Yoruba obas?
Peace, love and harmony that will further lead to development.
