In this insightful interview with Emmanuel Remilekun, publisher of Kwara Alert News, His Royal Majesty, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaleye Oyatoye Titiloye Olufaye II, discusses the evolving role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s democracy. He highlights their unique position as grassroots leaders and custodians of culture, emphasizing the need for sincerity in supporting genuine political leadership rather than self-interest.
The Oloro reflects on his divinely ordained journey to the throne, supported by family, community, and a Governor who respects the ancient kingmaking process. Rooted in unity and cultural preservation, his leadership focuses on empowering youth through education, scholarships, and job opportunities.
He shares plans to develop the kingdom through cultural festivals, infrastructure projects, and tourism, while actively engaging the Yoruba diaspora via international royal connections. Committed to building a lasting legacy that prioritizes the kingdom’s growth over personal recognition, this interview explores how tradition and modern governance can unite to foster cultural revival and sustainable progress in Oro Kingdom and Nigeria. Excerpts.
How do you see the roles of traditional rulers evolving in Nigeria’s democracy? And how will your advisory role complement or assist in supporting political structures?
Traditional rulers play very important roles today, especially because we are closest to the grassroots. We know our people intimately. Sometimes, people enter politics for self-interest, while others genuinely want to help their communities. There is a Yoruba adage, “B’ile ba sanni, awo la tin mọ,” meaning, “When people are responsible, you will know from home.” In other words, the character of leaders is often reflected in their local communities.
Unfortunately, many running for political office today cannot even point to what they have done in their own towns, let alone for their constituents or the state. Therefore, traditional rulers have a critical role by supporting and endorsing genuine people sincerely — not as a money-making venture. Sadly, some traditional rulers see their positions as opportunities to monetize political influence. For example, some rulers wait until a political era is ending and then seek to endorse candidates in exchange for favors.
But this is an opportunity for us to be sincere with ourselves. That is why I commend the Kwara State Government for making it easy for everyone to participate in politics freely. People are no longer forced to seek the backing of a godfather to pursue political office. They are free to join any political party and contest any office they desire. I commend Kwara State politicians and government for allowing such freedom of political expression and choice.
Transitioning to kingship, what challenges did you face, and how did your family and community support you?
My journey to this throne is ordained by God, and we thank God for making it happen at the right time. I believe God prepared me for this role. We are fortunate to have a Governor who still resides within the community and respects the decisions of the kingmakers. No kingmaker makes a decision without consulting the family, the community, and the chieftaincy authority.
Each chieftaincy family involved in kingmaking listens to their traditional elders. Because of this, there was a clear consensus that Joel Olaleye Oyatoye Titiloye Olufaye should be king. Out of seven candidates, I received five votes, while the other two votes went to two other candidates. This clarified everything.
Although the Governor has the final say and could theoretically endorse someone not in the race, he acts with the fear of God. This gives us confidence that this is a divinely ordained time. In the past, things could have been different, but now we are grateful.
What personal qualities or experiences uniquely prepared you to serve as Oloro of Oro Kingdom?
One thing I know in life is that God has already prepared everyone for their destined path. We are simply making our way toward our final destination.
Personally, I am a lover of culture, and traditional rulers are custodians of culture. There is no doubt why someone who loves culture would become a custodian of it.
This understanding has clarified my journey to the throne and my destiny. The people of Oro Kingdom have also made it easier for me. Many youths, adults, elders, both male and female, have surrounded me with support. I am proud to say that I did not give anyone money to buy their support; they supported me voluntarily and willingly. This confirms that God prepared this journey ahead of today, and we thank God for it.
What developmental projects will you introduce or accelerate to create opportunities for Oro Kingdom’s youth?
Immediately upon ascending the throne, I realized the importance of having a central place that everyone can call home. That was why the new central palace was sited at the center of Oro Kingdom. This palace is not meant for any single community but for the entire Oro Kingdom.
Managing a project that represents thirteen communities is challenging. Some people wanted to be part of it but could not make it. Carrying the burden for everyone is not easy, especially when some have their own ambitions. But because of my determination to involve everyone, the youth see that I have a vision for them. They have volunteered enthusiastically.
You can see their activities on our social media pages. These are not done by me alone; I simply guide them, and the youth perform the activities. My plan for the youth is to ensure they have access to all opportunities—education, scholarships, travel abroad programs, and job opportunities. We will make sure every opportunity that comes to the community is accessible to all, ensuring equal rights.
Youth are the present and future. What we do today will benefit tomorrow. We pray for long life and blessings for the community. The impact a leader has on youth and community members is very important. As the Yoruba say, “Ari-she l’a-ri-ka,” meaning, “People will judge you by your deeds.” So, it is very important to act responsibly.
You mentioned thirteen communities. How do you plan to promote unity among these various communities and families within the Oro Kingdom?
We officially have eleven communities in the Oro Kingdom, but including some others, it totals thirteen. There is a Yoruba saying, “A le fipa mu eshin lo sodo, aa le fipa fun lomi mu,” meaning, “You can lead a horse to water by force, but you cannot force it to drink.” Leadership cannot force people to act; it must be earned.
My approach is to embrace everyone with love. Since I ascended the throne, spreading love across every home in the community has been my main objective. Those who see this keep coming closer. I believe that within the coming months and years, things will continue to improve day by day, and we will achieve unity.
How will you document, preserve, and promote Oro’s oral histories, arts, and festivals, including using technology?
To the glory of God, my international experiences as a cultural ambassador have laid a strong foundation for this role. We make use of media and every opportunity available at the federal and state levels, especially in cultural heritage.
To preserve our heritage, we must involve tourism and cultural heritage stakeholders who have social impact. We are reviving Olofin, the major festival of the Oro Kingdom. Recently, we started Gbagede Oba Oloro. Many believe Gbagede is where the king displays his regalia, but it does not have to be in front of the palace.
We are planning to build a Gbagede Arena where people can dine, wine, and hold ceremonies. This arena will host the annual Gbagede Oba festival and other social activities. These initiatives give us hope that our kingdom is moving toward a better future.
Are there plans to establish cultural centers, museums, or festivals to promote Oro culture locally and internationally?
Yes, definitely. Our cultural heritage site needs proper preservation. We are working on creating a documentary and literature to preserve the site. We hope the federal government will include it in their budget and make it part of Nigeria’s cultural festivals.
Gbagede (Ojude Oba) Oloro of Oro is another festival that we want to commercialize. We need investors to build hotels because the area will become a resort where visitors can stay for days or weeks. Tourists want to know what they will see when they visit.
We plan to have a cultural museum inside the palace. All these will attract tourism and make Oro a recognized tourist center.
How will you engage the Yoruba diaspora in cultural preservation using your royal connections?
Shortly after ascending the throne, I have had more than 10 to 15 people visit from abroad. While Lagos, Abuja, and Ilorin are common destinations, many want to connect with their brothers who have just come back from abroad and are now kings.
The New Alaafin of Oyo is a respected figure who has headed over his wing. We share many cultural activities. For example, in 2022 and 2023, we partnered on the Ashade festival. You will see him and his wife featured in our programs and photo books.
This relationship is solid.Gbagede Oba Loro will be the first cultural activity he attends since ascending the throne. Usually, he only visits kings to greet them, so this is significant.
People in the diaspora see what is happening here and recognize me as a cultural ambassador. If I reach out for cultural activities, they respond positively.
Last year, I partnered with Lagos State for cultural activities, and this year we are already in agreement to package another event in Lagos, with plans to expand to other states. These efforts will include Nigerians at home and abroad.
We will continue traveling abroad, especially to Canada, to promote our culture. All these efforts will build our kingdom into a global community culturally and as a tourist destination.
How do you intend to involve younger generations in cultural activities to ensure traditions continue?
Many youths have seen the benefits of embracing culture, especially through my example. When I started as a youth, people questioned why I cared about culture at such a young age. But today, they see where it has led me.
Many youth are watching and joining cultural programs. I often visit schools, especially in Canada, where children are embracing African culture. I have many documents to show this.
If I can achieve cultural revival in foreign lands where Yoruba culture is not widely known, then it should be easier to do so here at home. Government officials, including governors, have praised these cultural programs.
So, definitely, we will continue to engage youth actively in cultural activities to ensure our traditions thrive. Thank you very much.
What initiatives will you support to boost entrepreneurship and skill development among the youth?
In 2021, I wrote a proposal to the federal and state governments, especially in the Southwest, about using our cultural heritage to revive the economy. That was the theme of the Asade festival.
Now, I have a proposal for a youth empowerment center where youth will be empowered through cultural heritage and artifacts. This is a long-term vision.
We have just finished the palace, but other projects like the Bagede Oba Arena are underway. This is not a matter for governorship or senatorial campaigns; this is for life.
God grant us good health and long life to see these projects come to fruition. I have only been on the throne for seven months, so it is early days. But by this time next year, you will see these initiatives in action, God willing.
What legacy do you hope to leave as Oloro, and how will you groom future leaders to sustain your vision?
Everything I do, I do not do in my name. Even though I carried the palace project on my head, nothing is written in my name here. I told a friend, “The only thing I have in this palace is my photo frame.”
I believe we have a long journey ahead, and God will help us. The legacy has already started with the central palace and other community engagements.
I involve government officials in community activities. Wherever I go, I do not go in my own name; I go in the name of the Oro Kingdom. I want the kingdom’s name to be known first.
People may not know me personally, but they know the kingdom. When the kingdom is built, they will ask, “Who is the king?” and then mention my name. The kingdom comes first, then the individual. So, my name is not the focus. Thank you, sir.
You have been on the throne for only seven months, yet many have watched your progress for years. How do you feel about being nominated for the Dynamic Royal Leadership and Cultural Revival Award so soon after ascending the throne?
My aim has always been to let my work speak for itself. During COVID in Canada, some people wanted to give me a chieftaincy title or award. I asked if it was based on merit or just because I recently started Ashade.
I told them to give me awards based on merit. I decided from day one never to buy awards but earn them through work.
My activities since ascending the throne are visible, and that is why people feel I deserve recognition. I appreciate that.
Some people may snub you, even without reason, but appreciation should be based on recognizing your presence and work.
The award is not just individual recognition; it sends a message to governments and stakeholders to support our efforts so we can all be proud.
As the Yoruba say, “Eje kadu pe, l’owo eni to rini, to mo ri, to mo ju, opo ni o wo wi tawa,” meaning, “Many will talk about us, but only those who have walked the path know the truth.”
In conclusion, what message do you have for sons and daughters of Oro Kingdom, Kwara State, and Nigeria across the world?
My advice is simple: unity and sincerity. If you are sincere in everything you do, you will reach your goals. If we remain united, we can move mountains.
Only through unity can we stand as a liberty wall and be victorious.