The Royal Debate: Can a Young Visionary Monarch Rewrite Idanre’s History?

By Engr. Samuel Afolabi

Beneath the sacred hills of Idanre kingdom, Ondo State Nigeria where ancient myths still echo through stone and shrine, a quiet storm is brewing.

The royal stool of the Owa which got vacant after the passing of late Oba (Dr.) Frederick Adegunle Aroloye Gbolagunte, Arubiefin IV, JP, OFR whose reign was characterised with peace, wisdom, and cultural preservation for nearly five decades is more than a seat of power rather a symbol of royalty, identity, continuity, and destiny.

Now, as selection of new monarch begin and contenders emerge, the kingdom is facing a profound numerous questions such as “Can a young visionary monarch rewrite the history of Idanre or will tradition hold sway in shaping its future?”, “Should the next Owa of
Idanre be a youthful visionary poised to modernise the monarchy or a seasoned elder rooted in tradition?.

I will be exploring the heart of that debate, tracing the tension between legacy and transformation in one of Nigeria’s most storied communities as at this juncture every Idanre indigene both home and abroad await a successor who will redefine the soul of the kingdom.

Oba Fredrick Aroloye ascended the throne in 1976 and turned out to be a symbol of peace, unity, and continuity. His leadership was defined by a deep respect for culture and tradition, a commitment to communal peace and harmony, and a steady pointer in navigating the complexities of local governance.

Under his reign, Idanre maintained its cultural heritage while gradually embracing development. The Owa of Idanre is more than a ceremonial figure; he is the spiritual and cultural custodian of a people whose history stretches back centuries.

The royal lineage, anchored in the legacy from Owa Agboogun, Owa Baganju, Owa Beyoja, Owa Jarungan, Owa Ogbogbomodu, Owa Ifayiworo, to Owa Jisansokun, Owa Towurojoye, Owa Gbolagbeye, Owa Aladegbule, and Owa Aroloye Adegunle carries the weight of ancestral wisdom and sacred rites that define the identity of Idanre kingdom.

As the sacred rites of succession are now underway, the question of who should wear the crown has ignited passionate discourse across the minds of Idanre indigenes across all the continents of the world. Elders within the community are advocating for a ruler steeped in tradition, someone who understands the nuances of ritual, taboos, and communal expectations. They argue that age brings wisdom, and that the monarchy must remain a bastion of cultural continuity.

Yet, a growing chorus of younger voices both within and in diaspora are calling for change. They envision a monarch who can bridge the gap between ancient customs and modern realities as they covet ideal candidate who can digitize oral histories, promote cultural tourism, and engage youth through technology and global partnerships.

It is therefore pertinent to go through a careful search in the selection of a new monarch for Idanre that will bring the desires of all Makanres into reality.

It is very obvious that a young and visionary monarch would bring in a new era of innovation. From virtual palace tours to digital archives of folklore, the possibilities for modernization are vast.

Such a monarch would resonate with Nigeria’s predominantly young population, inspiring civic engagement and cultural pride.

However, this path is not without risks as rapid modernization may alienate traditionalists and disrupt sacred customs if not properly put in place and therefore the need for a young and visionary youth who is deeply rooted in culture and tradition of Idanre kingdom and as well display regards for the culture and tradition of the land.

A youthful ruler may also face challenges in navigating the intricate politics of royal councils and community expectations but history has it that even the past Owas in Idanre ascended the throne at youthful age as they all ruled and brought enormous victories and development to the kingdom even as recent events from different communities within the country have shown young and visionary monarchs ascending the throne of their forefathers citing the cases of Ooni of Ife, Olu of Warri, and Alaafin of Oyo.

On the other hand, an elder monarch will offer the reassurance of experience. He will be more likely to uphold rituals, maintain community trust, and serve as a stabilizing force.

Yet, there are concerns about adaptability, longevity, and engagement with younger generations which will significantly affect the growth and development of the kingdom in which the people of Idanre home and abroad are eagerly yearning for.

Majority voices within and outside Idanre propose a hybrid approach: selecting a monarch who is mature enough to honour tradition but progressive enough to embrace change.

This vision includes establishing advisory councils with youth and diaspora representation, digitizing cultural assets, and grooming younger royals for future leadership.

They are also calling on concern authorities (the kingmakers) to give regards to the custom and tradition that guide the right process of selecting a new monarch in accordance to the laid down culture and tradition of Idanre kingdom.

This royal debate in Idanre is not merely about age, it is a reflection of a community grappling with identity, legacy, and the future. Whether the crown rests on the head of a youthful visionary or a seasoned elder, the next Owa will inherit more than a throne. He will inherit a mandate to shape Idanre’s destiny in a rapidly evolving world.

As the selection process unfolds and the community watches with keen anticipation, one truth remains clear: the future of Idanre will be defined not just by who leads, but by how that leadership honours the past while embracing the promise of tomorrow.

Engr. Samuel O. Afolabi (AFO) FHEA, MNSE, COREN, is a UK based Engineer and can be contacted on [email protected]