By RhemDy News
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade 1, has declared that the indigenous Yoruba knowledge system is applicable and relevant in every human endeavour as basis of development.
Oba Owoade also maintained that the basic culture and civilisation built by the Yoruba have endured as the fulcrum of political, economic, religious and
intellectual development till today.
In a release on Thursday by his Director, Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin stated this while addressing Yorùbá Diaspora at the Bahia State University (UNEB), in Brazil.
The Forum had in attendance scholars, cultural leaders, government representatives, traditional custodians, and members of the Yoruba in diaspora.
The paramount ruler also urged world leaders to re-integrate Yorubas across the world back to their ancestral roots to save their souls from continued trauma.
He also commended the United Nations Educational Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on the plan to proclaim Oyo as International Heritage of Exceptional Value.
To the Alaafin, “a careful reading of the Yoruba intellectual traditions would reveal the extent and ramifications of the Yoruba
system of knowledge, which if properly studied would reveal an uncommon commitment to inquiry, research, investigation and functional application of knowledge in solving human existential problems,” the monarch said.
He stressed that that clear understanding and appreciation of developments in Yorubaland since 19th century would put the race in a better stead to negotiate from the point of advantage and strength as well as preserving the legacies of the forebears.
"The Yoruba are heirs to an ancient, rich and cultured civilisation. This culture is known for its artistic triumphs, extraordinary oral literature, complex pantheon of gods and an urban lifestyle.
"The Yoruba possessed famous traditions of art, precisely because they had productive economies and vibrant commercial systems, which allowed artists and craft workers freedom from scarcity and provided access to metals, woods and clay sculpture. But how preserved are our cultures of excellence, dedication, determination and ingenuity? Are they not fading away?,’’ he queried.
The Alaafin further observed that the Yoruba have not only created sophisticated institutions of government, he noted its great cultural impact in Nigeria as well as in modern Brazil, Cuba and the Americas.
‘’This remarkable cultural triumph makes the Yoruba experience one of the most fascinating subjects of historical study in the world," he said.
Oba Owoade noted that these people have their veins running with the rich, strong, and virile Yoruba blood that has refused to be polluted or diluted by many years of contact with the outside world.
Despite the orchestrated condemnation of its relevance, the Alaafin expressed delight that the people were devoted, courageous and also "devotional in preserving the sacred intellectual property and the foundation of the Yoruba knowledge system.
Alaafin noted that the Old Yoruba Empire, known as Oyo Empire distinguished itself in the world, with three very distinctive and unique models.
"First, it evolved a wonderfully developed constitution, though unwritten. The average Yoruba man is governed by strong convention, while the Yorubas evolved a strong military system that allows them to develop weaponry’.
"The old Oyo Empire was one of the earliest and probably, the greatest independent race in West Africa, South of the equator. At the height of its existence, the old Oyo Empire dominated all Yoruba kingdoms.
"As far back as the 16th Century, Alaafin pointed out, the old Oyo Empire developed the cabinet system of government, from the Prime Minister, to the Alaafin, and the various divisional heads, including all tiers have their roles and responsibilities clearly spelt out, and adhered to with separation of powers, and inputs for checks and balances.
‘’Oyo Empire was the most politically organised entity founded by the Yoruba speaking people in the present day Nigeria. The Empire was well organised and was influential and powerful. The political administration of Oyo Empire was based on complex system of checks and balances involving layer and structure of traditional rulers under the Alaafin authority," he recalled.
Oba Owoade posited that if the Empire was not properly structured and anchored on equity, fairness and justice, it would not have lasted over 600 uninterrupted years.
"The Oyos," he disclosed, "were not called Yorubas originally. Other groups that made up the Yoruba race preferred at the time (centuries ago) to be called Egbas, Ijeshas and whatever name they desired.
"But by the 19th century, there was need to forge a common ground and have a standard linguistic form hence, the Oyo dialect was embraced by all Yorubas. So Yorubas are Oyo's by origin," he said.
He noted that the Alaafin is today duty bound to stand for, and in defence of every Yoruba soul on the African continent as well as those in the Diaspora.
‘’I am here as the conscience, symbol, and spirit of the Yoruba and the personification of its glorious traditions of excellent public administrations, social welfarism, egalitarian social and kinship system. Africa is today at the crossroads of history, to lead a liberating revolution in knowledge production, dissemination and utilization.
"The utilitarian value of education must be our concern now more than ever before, as the deep will begin to call to the deep in an all inclusive enterprise, to demonstrate the excellence and leadership of the Yoruba race in knowledge, production, dissemination and application,’’ he said.
‘’It is equally my wish that we find time more often to explore the height and depth of Yoruba intellectual traditions, and establish enduring connections between Yoruba ontology worldview on the one hand and the role the South West in Nigeria had played, is playing and could still play in contemporary global dictates on the other," Alaafin stated.
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