In a continued demonstration of cultural consciousness and grassroots engagement, Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, retired military Colonel, statesman, and philanthropist, has reiterated his strong advocacy for the preservation and respect of traditional institutions, urging Nigerian politicians to treat royal fathers as pivotal stakeholders in governance and development.
Dr. Adegbola made this statement during a fresh round of royal courtesy visits to esteemed monarchs across Ogbomosoland, emphasizing that the fabric of leadership in Nigeria cannot be complete without acknowledging the wisdom, stability, and moral authority that traditional rulers offer.
“Our royal fathers are not mere cultural ornaments; they are custodians of our identity, history, and values. Any politician who disregards them does so at the peril of community trust. For true leadership to thrive, it must begin with humility and respect for traditional institutions.”
Dr. Adegbola stressed that traditional rulers have consistently played crucial roles in conflict resolution, moral guidance, and social cohesion—areas where modern governance often falters.
During this phase of his royal outreach, Dr. Adegbola visited four notable monarchs across Ogbomosoland, receiving blessings and encouragement from their revered stools from HRM Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebanji Amao, Aale of Okelerin, HRM Oba Solomon Olagoke Adisa Akinola (Oyeyode III), Oranmiyan of Okoland. HRM Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye III JP, the Aresa Pupa of Iresapupa and HRM Oba Ogundipe John Oyeyiola, the Alara of Fapote,
Dr. Adegbola and his entourage were received with grandeur. The monarch expressed his admiration for Adegbola’s disciplined background and called for more leaders who honor the traditional institutions they seek to serve.
It will be recalled that in previous months, Dr. Adegbola paid homage to several other high-ranking traditional rulers across Ogbomosoland, including the Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, where he emphasized similar values of respect, cultural alignment, and collaborative governance.
These engagements have not only elevated his image as a leader who respects indigenous governance but also sparked broader conversations about the fading role of traditional rulers in the modern political equation—a gap Dr. Adegbola insists must be closed for Nigeria to realize holistic development.
“The palace is not merely a symbol, it is a source of guidance. As leaders, we must consistently return to it for wisdom, legitimacy, and grounding,” Dr. Adegbola stated.
