Appoint a traditionalist as Adviser – Olowu of Kuta charges President Tinubu

THE Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Dr. Adekunle Oyelude Makama CON (Tegbosun III), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a Special Adviser on Culture and African Traditions to promote greater inclusion of traditionalists in the Federal Government.

The monarch made the call when speaking to pressmen during the 2026 Isese Day celebration held at Freedom Park, Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where traditionalists from across the state gathered to celebrate and promote Yoruba cultural heritage.

Oba Oyelude recalled that traditionalists had previously been represented at the federal level during the administration of former President General Olusegun Obasanjo, when Professor Abimbola served as Special Adviser on Culture and African Traditions.

He said the time was ripe for President Tinubu to revive the practice by appointing a qualified traditionalist to the position, arguing that such a move would make traditionalists feel more included in the administration.

According to the monarch, the traditionalist community has grown significantly and now constitutes an important stakeholder in Nigeria’s political and electoral processes.

He maintained that traditionalists deserved consideration in government appointments in the same manner as members of other major religious groups.

“The time is ripe for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make this appointment from among traditionalists so that they can also feel the inclusiveness of the government,” the monarch said.

Beyond government representation, Oba Oyelude urged Osun residents, particularly the Yoruba people, to reconnect with the culture and traditions of their forefathers.

He expressed concern that many people were abandoning their indigenous culture for foreign or borrowed practices, describing the trend as unhealthy for the preservation of Yoruba identity.

The Olowu stressed that Yoruba culture represents far more than dressing or outward appearance, noting that it embodies values, beliefs, history and a broader understanding of humanity.

He therefore encouraged younger generations to learn, preserve and promote the traditions handed down by their ancestors.

The 2026 Isese Day celebration attracted the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Culture and African Traditions.

Also in attendance were the Araba Awo of Osogbo, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, the Olufon of Ifon, and several traditional rulers from across Osun State.

The celebration featured cultural activities and the presentation of Awards of Excellence to notable traditionalists recognised for their contributions to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions.

Among those honoured was Oba Dr. Adekunle Oyelude Makama CON (Tegbosun III), who received an Award of Excellence in recognition of his efforts and contributions towards uplifting Yoruba culture and traditions.

The event underscored renewed calls for the preservation of indigenous culture and greater recognition of traditional institutions and practitioners in Nigeria’s cultural development.