Lowa Adimula Clocks 70, Preaches Unity, Cultural Pride, National Security

As he marks his 70th birthday on April 19, 2025, the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, His Royal Highness Adekola Abraham Adeyeye has called for deeper unity among Yoruba traditional rulers and citizens, emphasizing that no monarch should be compared with another.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Ile-Ife on Friday, the revered traditional chief stated that each ruler holds a unique place in the cultural hierarchy of the Yoruba people. “Everyone knows their position and level,” he said, stressing that unnecessary comparisons often breed division.

“All those kings we now have all over Yorubaland today, many of them were Baales before becoming kings. They know their roots,” he said, referencing the era when many local chiefs were elevated.

“I’m not saying anyone is superior to another, but we must understand our roles and uphold respect for tradition.”

HRH Adeyeye, who rose through the traditional ranks from a palace aide to the prestigious position of Lowa Adimula, also reflected on the significance of peace and security in community development.

He attributed the spate of insecurity to lack of adequate funding and provision of necessary equipment to the security agents.

“In the past, at Ile-Ife’s first police station, officers were welltreated. Now, we should let indigenes of each state serve as police officers within their state, that’s how you ensure loyalty and better protection.”

He warned of rising threats in neighboring states and called on the government to strengthen local security networks, especially the Amotekun Corps and community vigilante groups.

He further argued that the role of monarchs in security should never be downplayed. “The king of a town owns the protection of his town. It’s ridiculous to say a king is under a local government.”

Recounting his life’s journey, he narrated how he started from humble beginnings, attending primary school in Ile-Ife, working as a taxi driver, and later serving in the palace.

His trajectory took a significant turn when he was chosen to represent his late father, a high chief, in the royal household of Oduduwa, eventually serving under the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, as Sarun before being appointed Lowa Adimula.

He described his role in the installation of the current Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as one of the greatest honors of his life. “I don’t have any regret whatsoever. God never makes mistakes. Since his installation, Ooni Ogunwusi has been a blessing to Ile-Ife and the Yoruba race,” he said.

However, the traditional ruler expressed concern over the lack of unity among people in Ile-Ife. He urged politicians, elders, and residents to put aside their differences and work towards the town’s development. “Disunity has made many things elude us. If we come together, Ife will be great,” he declared.

Acknowledging the efforts of the Osun State Government, HRH Adeyeye commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for breaking long-standing developmental jinxes in Ile-Ife. He particularly lauded Adeleke’s recent trip to the United Kingdom where he sought international support to position Ile-Ife as a global cultural destination.

At the national level, the monarch appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to recognize and elevate the constitutional roles of traditional rulers. He emphasized the strategic importance of monarchs in grassroots mobilization and peacebuilding.

HRH Adeyeye also appreciated his wives, Chief Mrs. Mojisola Adeyeye, Mrs. Florence Adeyeye, Mrs. Olai Adeyeye, and Mrs. Victoria Adeyeye, for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

“God bless Ile-Ife, God bless Osun State, and God bless Nigeria,” he concluded with prayers for his homeland and the nation.