This is culled from the Facebook Page of Chris Adetayo, explaining the significance of the name Adewolu from the newly crowded Olubadan of Ibadan. Enjoy.
His name is not common. Adewolu. Ade-wo-ilu. Literally, “the crown comes into town”. Today, the gods will affirm the prayers of his parents when they gave him the name.
It’s not difficult to like the man. His travail in politics, especially as the Governor of Oyo State 2 decades ago, is a well known story. Voted in by the people, illegally removed by thugs and their official acolytes, and re-installed by the courts. He bore the tribulations with equanimity and uncommon grace.
Becoming Olubadan is providential. The only part that a candidate has an element of control is meeting the basic requirements of getting in the long line. He has to be accepted by the members of his own compound (hamlet). They have to make him their leader (Mogaji). If he finds favour with the incumbent Olubadan and there arises a vacancy, he could get in the long line. The rest is out of his hands.
The overwhelming majority of the present crop of traditional rulers in Yorubaland got on their thrones as young men, largely untutored in royal mannerisms and conduct. That largely accounts for their many missteps and peccadilloes. The new Olubadan, at 81, cannot fall back on such an excuse.
The gods have smiled on Adewolu Ladoja. From hence, he has the chance to lay down a marker for the role of the traditional ruler in the modern world. May his reign bring honour, progress and development to Ibadan, Oyo and Yorubaland.
Ki Ade pe l’ori, Kabiyesi!🙏🙏
