By Adl
If he had not died in April this year, King Joseph Davies-Agba, the traditional ruler of Obudu, would have shared the same longest reigning status with HRM, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, the Onigede of Igede Ekiti. This is because well-grounded traditional history has shown that the two great traditional rulers were the longest-serving monarchs in Nigeria, even in Africa.
King Joseph Davies-Agba was on the throne for 64 years before he died on April 28, 2023, and was widely regarded as the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria.
Today (Saturday), the whole world, led by the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji gathered in the ancient town of Igede to celebrate the 90th birthday of HRM, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, the Onigede of Igede Kingdom, who is also celebrating his 64th year on the throne of his forefathers.
Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II is one of the respected traditional icons in Ekiti whose experience and leadership have rejuvenated the rich Ekiti traditional institution. Without any doubt, he is an Oba with greater insignia of arts and culture. An Oba with a rich monument of our cultural opprobrium and ornaments.
His reign has, therefore, become a reference point for Ekiti’s rich cultural estate where tradition and belief could have served as a beacon of opportunity for our Ministry of Arts and Culture to tap into and turn it into a prosperous creative opportunity.
That Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, is the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria today, is enough for Ekiti to receive an avalanche of traditional rulers across the country to come and celebrate with this great monarch in a carnival-like ceremony where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR would have been the special guest of honor.
Such an event would have provided an ideal platform for Ekiti to present its cultural treasures to the President and his esteemed guests which would have included the Honorable Minister of Arts and Culture and Creative Economy.
This opportunity could have been a moment to shine a spotlight on Ekiti’s cultural wealth and its potential for economic prosperity. This is because the significance of Oba Aladesuru’s enduring reign transcends regional boundaries. It’s a matter of national pride, and indeed, the entire nation should have joined in celebrating the Traditional Icon. How about that?
This is the time and the best time for our State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to look forward to other opportunities like this shortly. Ekiti is endowed with rich cultural advantages which must be optimally annexed for the prosperity of all.
The missed opportunity to host a grand celebration, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the special guest of honor, could have been a showcase of Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage to the highest echelons of the nation.
As our revered Monarch, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II adds another year to his remarkable life and reign, I happily extend my heartfelt wishes for more wisdom on the throne and more good years on this earth. His legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of culture and tradition to shape and enrich our lives, and it is a legacy that should be celebrated not only in Ekiti, but throughout Nigeria and beyond.
* Adl, a Public Analyst and Social Media Influencer, wrote from Ado Ekiti.
