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

Iwo land supervisor, Abdulrosheed Akanbisaid corruption will be reduced to a minimum level in Nigeria when the traditional authorities participate in scrutinizing the activities of politicians.

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

The first-class traditional ruler of Osun State made the call on Monday when he launched his book, titled “The King’s Code”, released to mark his seventh year on the throne.

“Politicians need people who always check and balance. And the only people who can do that are us, the royal ancestors,” he said.

“We can see a lot of corruption in the country. So where are we going with this kind of democracy if no one checks politicians for corruption and bad governance? We want to prepare the king for this role,” he said.

The king also complained that traditional authorities across the country were not recognized or mandated by the constitution.

“I can see the dream that we will be constitutionally recognized. Whether they like it or not, the politicians can’t do it alone and we are the king, especially I am the most important authority, descended, and everything depends on us,” he said.

“Our cities and towns, every problem falls on the king, including security issues. The government can’t handle security, infrastructure growth, and development. Everything goes to the King.”

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

“I’ve seen this and we’re working on it. And that’s why the Code of Kings tells the kings how to behave and act for themselves. How we have to prepare the next generation of the newly found democracy that must include the king. Of course,” he said.

“The King’s Code is a guideline on how to prepare; because what we are saying now is that the kings are brought down and we want to respect our monarchy and we want them to represent the culture and tradition and not the religion created in the homes of some people. The kings are representatives of God God on earth. Kings should not bow down to anything other than the Creator who owns it. Tradition and culture is how we greet, wear clothes; it is not about religion. So I am the guardian of religion and culture; religion starts from the palace. There are many in Code of Kings,” he added.

“Today we see many kings go to churches and mosques where they pray. But where are prayers answered? That’s what we have to answer. The only place where prayers are answered is the house of the ruler, and that is the palace,” he said.

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“The King’s palace is a place of prayer. What we find in places of worship is the answer. So the man who owns the palace is now going to the place of worship. It’s like the sea trying to take from the well.”

Mr. Akanbi, however, insisted that he was ready to accept criticism of his book.

“If you challenge the status quo or you advance, people have to criticize. We were the first to be attacked. So I’m ready. I don’t have to worry. I’m ready for criticism as a reformer.

Review

At the launch, the book was reviewed by Adeola Faleye, a senior lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and African Languages ​​at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

This book has 359 pages and 20 chapters. According to the reviewer, “the book explains, explains and also corrects the need for a review of cultural values ​​in the status of the Yoruba king. All emphasis is demanded for a better vision of the nation.

“It also narrates the history and development of Iwo land and highlights the Oluwo’s ​​stand and faith in Yoruba traditions especially the culture associated with kingship.

“In each chapter, the author discusses different issues starting from the history of Iwo kingdom,” said Mr. Faleye.