In the news made available to Greport International Media at early hours of today, the founder of Moshood Ajadi Foundation has reacted to the disappointment of high expectations from the two state Honourable members of Akinyele Local government over less impact in making sure the deserving obas in their constituents make up the list.
Otunba Oniroko, Amb. Dr. Moshood Ismail Abioye, has openly expressed his disappointment in the Honourable members representing Constituencies 1 and 2 of Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State. He criticized their apparent lack of influence and initiative in ensuring that traditional rulers (Obas) from Akinyele were included in the newly constituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs—a historic and strategic assembly of Oyo State, yoruba monarchs.
He emphasized that this omission is not only a political oversight but a disservice to the rich historical heritage of the region. According to Otunba Oniroko, towns like Iroko existed long before many other recognized communities such as Iwo, Ikereku, and Ijaiye. In fact, Ijaiye, located in present-day Oyo State, rose to prominence during the same period as Ibadan and the Oyo Empire, playing pivotal roles in pre-colonial Yoruba political and military history. Iroko, being one of the oldest towns, holds deep ancestral and historical significance that should be reflected in state-level recognition and inclusion.
Otunba Oniroko lamented that such rich legacies have been neglected by current political office holders who appear to be more focused on maintaining power than preserving history and promoting equitable representation. He stated:
“It is unfortunate that those we elected to represent us are more concerned with the politics of position than the preservation of our cultural heritage. True leadership must be informed by history. Any politician ignorant of the past is a danger to the future.” said Amb. Dr. Moshood.
He further noted that the Council of Obas and Chiefs is not just a ceremonial body but a representation of the soul of the Yoruba nation—its culture, its elders, its legacy. The absence of Akinyele’s royal fathers from this council marks a significant failure by the Honourable members to advocate for their constituents at a critical historical juncture.
In contrast, Otunba Oniroko praised the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) for their structured and effective rotational leadership model within the Oyo Council of Obas, describing it as a commendable example of inclusive and forward-thinking traditional governance, and what body like CCII stands for and what other youth bodies should emulate and stand for.
He called on all political leaders, especially those from historically significant regions, to become literate in the history of their people, warning that leadership without historical understanding is tantamount to betrayal.
“We must not allow our heritage to be erased by the silence or incompetence of our representatives. The failure of the two Akinyele Honourables is not just a political failure; it is a cultural loss, t<span;>he failure of our representatives to secure a place for our revered Obas is not just a political misstep, it is a cultural loss, leadership must be rooted in history, not just ambition.” said Otunba
The Ambassador on Education to Akinyele Local Government words serve as a powerful reminder that public office is not merely about power, or wealth accusations as who ever want that should go and face business which is the only means to accumulate wealth, pllitics is about purpose, responsibility, and the preservation of identity and through governance and good representation what you are fighting hard for can be achieve.
He stressed the need for elected officials to be historically literate, warning that politicians who are power-hungry but ignorant of their roots do more harm than good. “Public office should be about protecting legacies, not just holding titles. Unfortunately, both Honourables from Akinyele LG have failed us at a time when history was being made.”
E-signed
Amb. Dr. Moshood Ismail Abioye
Otunba Oniroko
