Idanre At A Crossroads As The Search Begins For A New Era Of Leadership

By Seun Johnson

Idanre, a legendary town in Ondo State stands as a beacon of honour, renowned for its majestic hills, captivating landscapes, and a refreshing aura that draws attention as a natural wonder for tourists. Its welcoming people, enchanting topography, and vibrant cultural heritage imbue Idanre with a timeless beauty that resonates far beyond its borders.

Apart from its riveting landscape, rich history and robust cultural heritage, the town also boasts notable individuals, captains of industries, intellectual scholars and frontline politicians who are making waves and driving innovation in their fields.

Idanre is not only blessed with remarkable individuals who have achieved great things but is also enriched by a lineage of traditional rulers who have used their wisdom and native insight to transform the town from its early beginnings to its modern-day form.

From the rulership of Owa Agboogun, the first king, down to the reign of Oba Fredrick Adegunle Arubiefin IV, the 26th Owa of idanre, this hilly town has enjoyed steady progress and consistent development.

But on Tuesday July 30, 2024, a wave of sorrow swept over the town as heartbreaking news spread, casting a shadow of grief over the people. Oba Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye Arubiefin IV, the revered Owa of Idanre, who had ruled with wisdom and intellect for an impressive 48 years, joined his ancestors.

His demise marked the end of an incredible era, unparalleled ruling and matchless legacies, leaving the town to mourn the loss of a leader who had dedicated his life to the prosperity, unity, and cultural heritage of Idanre. The air was thick with melancholy as the community reflected on his remarkable reign, cherishing memories of a monarch who had guided them with strength, vision and grace.

Until he called it quits at the age of 102, Kabiyesi was widely regarded as a paragon of virtue, wisdom, and benevolence. He was a consummate intellectual who combined the gift of gab with native intelligence to transform the fortune of what was once a primitive community into a city-like society.

He ushered in an era of prosperity, stability, and cultural renaissance for the kingdom. Under his reign, the Obaship institution, along with its crown, was extended to the communities of Alade and Atosin, while the Oluship title was expanded to encompass various villages and settlements in Idanre.

He was instrumental in establishing the Mare Festival, an annual mountain-climbing celebration that elevated Idanre’s profile on both national and global stages. It was also during his reign that the iconic Oke Idanre Hill earned a prestigious listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A first class monarch and former chairman of Ondo State council of Obas, the late Owa was widely renowned and celebrated as one of the most educated, longest-serving, and oldest traditional ruler in the State.

In words and indeed, the passing of Oba Aroloye is not just a monumental loss to the Idanre community, Ondo State and Yorubaland, it has also left a significant void in the royal household. His absence now raises the pressing question of who possesses the strength, vision, and capacity to lead the kingdom into its next chapter.

Though the late Oba fought a noble fight, completed his journey and left an indelible legacy in the sands of time, with his name etched on a golden plaque, his remarkable record may pose a significant challenge for whoever succeeds him to surpass.

Gone are the days when royal thrones were occupied by ambitious contenders, unpolished professionals or local influencers. Today, the institution has evolved, with many towns and communities embracing their accomplished sons from the ruling house, who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.

These pristine princes are mostly invited to compete for the vacant throne and whoever emerges among them can leverage his networks, experience, and innovative vision to further the community’s progress.

Given the societal standards and expectations during the productive years of the late Oba Aroloye, there is no denying the fact that he served Idanre and its people exceptionally well. However, his achievements may not serve as the benchmark for his successor, as numerous modern advantages now offer the opportunity not only to surpass his record but to elevate the town to even greater prominence.

Traditional institutions have moved beyond the era when Obas were sidelined in the scheme of state and national affairs. Today, knowledgeable and proactive leaders within these institutions are asserting their roles and making significant contributions to national development. They influence government policies and drive progress within their respective domains. They are actively shaping the path of development not only in their communities but at the national level.

Who can truly measure the influence of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, or the significance of Oba Ewuare II of Benin in Nigeria? Can any prominent Nigerian overlook the stature of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano; Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto; Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha; and numerous other respected monarchs who consistently advocate for their people and stand up for their communities when it matters most?

These are first-class Obas in Nigeria, a category to which the Owa of Idanre rightly belongs. Beyond their contributions to national discourse, these esteemed royal fathers have also harnessed their networks and influence to drive substantial development within their domains.

This should be the standard for the next occupant of the traditional stool of Idanre land. As a town distinguished as a major cocoa producer in Ondo State and known for its abundant natural resources, including forests, minerals, and unique topography, coupled with its hardworking and highly-placed descendants across the globe, Idanre cannot afford to select a passive leader as its next Oba. Doing so would be a deliberate step backward which will undermine the present, jeopardize the future and ultimately cripple the aspirations of generations yet to come.

Now is the critical moment for the kingmakers, Palace Chiefs, the Idanre Development Assembly (IDA), and other key stakeholders within the community to look beyond superficial qualities and cast a wide net in their search for the ideal candidate.

In doing so, they must remember that Idanre requires a leader with profound cultural knowledge of the town, an Oba who possesses a forward-thinking vision, a strong educational foundation, a commitment to community welfare, economic insight, and diplomatic skill. This leader should embody humility and accessibility, integrity and accountability, as well as the courage and resilience needed to guide Idanre toward the next phase.

By considering these qualities, Idanre and its great people can conveniently look into a future where tradition and progress go hand-in-hand to honour its heritage while building a prosperous tomorrow.

Seun Johnson, a Lagos based Journalist and Media Strategist can be reached through seunjohnson2023@gmail.com