The traditional institution remains the most enduring foundational pillar of our socio-cultural identity, serving as a sacred repository of our history, communal values, and collective wisdom. In Oyo State, and particularly within the ancient city of Ibadan, the traditional leadership is not merely a ceremonial relic; it is the very soul of our societal stability. It is highly imperative that we collectively preserve, respect, and defend the sanctity of these revered institutions against any form of modern political erosion. The crowns worn by our royal fathers predated the temporary offices of political power, and long after the tenure of any government expires, the traditional institution will continue to stand firm as the custodian of our heritage and the compass of our moral direction.
 
It is deeply disturbing to observe a growing trend where certain political actors, for the sake of political convenience and the desperate retention of power, resort to insulting and passing subtle, condescending remarks at our traditional rulers. This behaviour is not only a grave cultural anomaly but also a dangerous abuse of political privilege. It is the height of hypocrisy for politicians who frequently run to these same traditional leaders under the cover of darkness to curry favours, seek royal blessings, and beg for indirect endorsements, to turn around and openly disrespect them when political calculations do not favour them. Power is transient, but the respect owed to our elders and traditional institutions is an eternal cultural mandate that no true son of Yorubaland must ever breach.
 
I must state emphatically that the Ibadan traditional stool, currently occupied by the highly revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, represents the collective pride, history, and dignity of millions of Ibadan indigenes and residents. This sacred stool must never be insulted, undermined, or treated with contempt by anyone, regardless of their political office or social standing. For the Ibadan political elite, in particular, attempting to ridicule or threaten the Olubadan is a clear pointer to eventual ruin and political failure. The strength of Ibadan lies in its internal cohesion and the unshakeable respect it accords its leadership structure. To attack the Olubadan is to attack the very essence of Ibadanland, and history has consistently shown that no one fights the collective will of the people and survives politically.
 
Imperatively, those aspiring to public office, as well as those currently occupying leadership positions, must consciously choose the path of absolute decorum. Leadership is not a license for arrogance, nor is it a platform to issue threats against those whose opinions may differ from ours. True leadership requires humility, emotional intelligence, and a huge respect for the elders and institutions that provide the social fabric holding our communities together. Political differences or the refusal of a traditional ruler to become a partisan appendage must never be met with insults or intimidation. Our royal fathers have a constitutional and moral right to their convictions, and their primary duty is to the welfare of all their subjects, not to the political ambitions of a select few.
 
We move forward and see the complexities of our democratic journey, so we must let this serve as a solemn reminder that political power must always be exercised with restraint and respect for cultural boundaries. The progressive family remains irrevocably committed to defending the honour of our traditional institutions across Oyo State. I urge all citizens, political stakeholders, and youth to reject any leader who demonstrates a lack of respect for our traditional heritage. We must continue to uphold the dignity of our royal fathers, for in respecting them, we respect ourselves, our history, and the future we are collectively striving to build.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Monday, September 21 2026.