The Royal Debate: Can A Young, Visionary Monarch Rewrite Idanre’s Story?

By Seun Johnson

As Idanre stands on the threshold of tradition, eagerly anticipating the formal kick-off of the sacred rites that will herald the next Owa, a heated conversation has ignited amongst its sons and daughters, both at home and across the globe. 

It is a debate on whether the kingdom should embrace the vigor and forward-thinking of a young, dynamic and vibrant leader or stick with the time-tested wisdom of a fragile elder ruler.  

This conversation stems from a global trend that is reshaping leadership, as several communities are regularly leaning towards youthful leaders in business, politics, and governance. The people of Idanre are therefore questioning if this same strategy could usher in a long overdue rebirth for their beloved town.   

Across the world, young leaders are proving that age is no longer the sole determinant of wisdom. With their boundless energy and innovative mindset, they bring fresh perspectives that challenge and often dominate the old order with superior arguments.

In the context of Idanre kingdom, a well-versed king would serve as a bridge between the rich traditions of the past and the aspirations of the future.  

In 2021, a fresh breeze of transformation swept through Warri with the enthronement of a young dynamic and accomplished king, Tsola Emiko, as the Olu of Warri. 

At just 37 years old, the young monarch’s ascension marked the dawn of a new era in the oil rich city of Delta State. He has since then reshaped the narrative of the kingdom and infused it with renewed vigor and vision.

Also at 41 years old in 2015, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi ascended the revered throne as the 44th Ooni of Ife, succeeding the late Oba Okunade Sijuade Olubuse, who transitioned at the age of 85. 

Since then, the Ooni has breathed new life into the traditional institution, weaving vibrancy and modern sophistication into the rich tapestry of Yoruba heritage. He has redefined its essence for a new era beyond the boundaries of Ife.

Installing a young and visionary monarch ushers in a multitude of advantages. It is usually a bold step taken by kingdoms with an eye on accelerating development. Unlike having an older person, who may lean toward preserving tradition and the status quo, a younger king often brings a progressive drive that will seamlessly blend age-long customs with the demands of the modern era. 

A young monarch often leverages the power of technology and fosters active youth participation in community development, thereby paving the way for economic opportunities to flourish. 

It is more probable that a young king would have the physical stamina and mental capacity to traverse the kingdom, engage with residents, and represent Idanre on state, national and international stages.

It is this active involvement that can inspire trust and loyalty among the people, especially the younger generation, who often feel disconnected from traditional leadership.  

While Offering his perspective on the pressing need for Idanre to embrace this direction, UK-based lawyer and renowned activist, Honorable Gbenga Akinmoyo, explains that true development, either in form, scope or pace can only be achieved if the community shifts its focus away from the trappings of political power and patronage.

The Idanre-born activist and founder of the “Gbenga Akinmoyo Representation Organization” (GARO) drew attention to the numerous politicians from the town who have held various positions at both state and federal levels, yet have contributed insufficiently to the tangible development expectations of the community.

In his words: 

“Permit me to be blunt with you, “Udanre Must Develop” and my experience has shown that political power & patronage are unlikely to trigger the Development in the Scope, Form and Pace; that we both critically need and desire.

“You will recall that between 1999 and 2023 we have flirted with: Two 4-year term Senators; three 4-year term House of Reps; two 4-year term Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ondo State; 24 years of having State Commissioners; and a host of other political appointees. All of these happened during the reign of our late Owa of Idanre, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Frederick Adegunle Aroloye Arubiefin IV.

“Is it not time that we answer some critical questions? How can Idanre have timber and yet no Furniture factory; have naturally endowed Idanre Hills and no single infrastructure to support a virile Tourism Industry that should be driving the local economic Budget of Idanre Local Government at the very least, if not that of Ondo State as a whole? 

“If Macau can be the tourist destination of Asia with the Venetian Hotel and Dubai the tourist hub of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E), both of which  created from nothing hitherto, then how can Idanre, a UNESCO world heritage site remain docile?

“To my mind, we now need to try the traditional route to pursue our development strides. We need to take cognizance of some critical factors in creating a NARRATIVE that will propel the next selection:

“Security of our community is fast becoming the responsibility of local police & intelligence under the initiative being canvassed by federal and state governments;

“The recent national trend is to have young, agile and vibrant monarchs with reach to indigenous sons and daughters in Diaspora who will identify positively with the developmental crusade;

“A Visioneer Monarch who is a globally exposed iconic magnet, capable of attracting international partners through established networks to invest today in the local natural endowment, for tomorrow’s prosperity.

“The time for change has come and the Elite population cannot afford to be bystanders in this process,” he submitted.

GARO’s stance appears to resonate deeply with the unspoken hopes and aspirations of thousands of Idanre descendants, both at home and in the diaspora. It reflects their heightened expectations and profound interest in the choice of the next Owa. This is a general sentiment that has now solidified into an unwavering conviction that gives no room for dissent.

With its breathtaking hills and untapped potential, Idanre is no doubt ripe for an all-round transformation. A young and entrepreneurial monarch would spearhead tourism initiatives, attract investment, and create jobs for the kingdom’s youth. 

Enthroning someone who has an understanding of the modern economy would turn the town into a cultural and economic hub that will give it a voice in national conversations.  

One undeniable fact is that, the throne of Idanre is not just a symbol of power. It is a beacon of hope, unity and progress. And perhaps, the emergence of a young and visionary monarch would shine the throne brighter than ever before.  

Seun Johnson, a Journalist and Media Strategist writes from Lagos, and can be reached by seunjohnson2023@gmail.com