By Samson Oderinde
At a time when trust is scarce and division is loud, one institution still commands respect across every village, town, and city: the Palace. The Oba remains the last address for the oppressed, the first voice for peace, and the steadiest hand for progress. Truly, our Obas are Anchors of Peace, Pillars of Prosperity.
1.Anchors of Peace: Custodians of Justice and Equity
In every community, the presence of the Oba is synonymous with order. As custodians of tradition and morality, Obas provide a trusted platform for the resolution of disputes before they escalate. Their judgments are guided not by partisanship, but by fairness, equity, and the preservation of communal harmony.
Beyond the court, the palace serves as a rallying point in times of tension. By speaking with one voice and calling for restraint, Obas have repeatedly doused the embers of conflict and restored calm. This role as peace-brokers makes them indispensable anchors in an era that yearns for stability.
2.Pillars of Prosperity: Driving Growth and Security
Development thrives where there is peace, and Obas are at the forefront of laying that foundation. Through partnerships with government, private sector, and diaspora groups, many royal fathers have attracted infrastructure, schools, health centers, and youth empowerment programs to their domains.
On security, Obas work closely with law enforcement and community vigilance groups. Their intelligence, moral authority, and grassroots reach make them critical to safeguarding lives and property. A secure community is a productive community, and in this, our Obas have proven to be dependable pillars.
3.Voices of Direction: Advising Subjects for Result-Oriented Outcomes.
The strength of the Oba institution also lies in counsel. Obas are not just rulers; they are fathers, teachers, and strategists. Through town hall meetings, palace addresses, and direct engagement, they give timely and appropriate advice to their subjects on agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility.
This guidance is intentional and result-oriented. Obas encourage diligence, discourage vices, and promote values that lead to tangible outcomes: better harvests, higher school enrollment, thriving small businesses, and a culture of self-reliance. By setting the right direction, they ensure that growth is not accidental, but planned and sustained.
4.Conclusion
The relevance of the Oba institution in modern governance cannot be overstated. As anchors of peace and pillars of prosperity, Obas provide the moral compass and grassroots structure that government policies need to succeed.
For them to deliver optimally, the Obas need collaboration and sustained support. They require moral, physical, material, and financial backing from government, people in vantage positions, and well-meaning citizens. This support will spur them up for more effective leadership and service to the people.
When the wisdom of the palace meets the resources of government and the goodwill of the people, our communities will witness accelerated growth, enduring peace, and prosperity that leaves no one behind.
May God Almighty continue to strengthen our royal fathers with wisdom, health, and long life. May He guide their counsel, bless their reign, and use them to birth greater peace and prosperity for our land. Amen.
The crown must continue to reign. The people must continue to listen. And together, under the guidance of our Obas, the nation will continue to rise.
Samson Olurotimi Olumuyiwa Oderinde, JP is former Executive Chairman Yewa North LGA & SSA to Dep. Gov. Ogun State. He writes from Igbogila-Yewa.
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