Alaafin reveals ‘the real Sango’, laments influence of ‘colonial mentality’

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has called for  a thorough study of the knowledge system and society that produced the archetypal African system in Oyo, in order to provide that direction the country missed in the past.
He made the call in an interview with journalists in his palace Oba Adeyemi said: “We are at a momentous and critical stage in the historical development of our country, when we are looking back, trying to re-define the system of government in order to establish a responsible and responsive government. Sango, one of the founding fathers of the ancient Oyo Kingdom being celebrated left behind an enduring legacy of constitutional government, a model of which is yet to be surpassed by any modern contraption’’.
Alaafin noted that pre-colonial system of government in Oyo was constructed on an elaborate system of checks and balances which made adequate provisions for and accommodated the culture and sensibilities of the people that produced it.
In essence, he added that it was an original design to meet the wishes and aspirations of the people and their definition of
development.
A celebration of Sango as evidenced in the festival, the monarch asserted, provides everyone with a rare opportunity to define his or her attitude to culture by identifying with the virtues of Sango, and in so doing equip ourselves with an understanding of these virtues
that transformed Sango from being just the fourth ruler of the kingdom of Oyo to global brand  that he has become today.
“In this era of African cultural re-awakening, the life, leadership, administration and government under Sango as Alaafin here in Oyo should be explored in the strictest academic tradition and the ennobling values intellectualised. The life of  Alaafin Sango would definitely be an excellent example in leadership, considering the fact that his rule of Oyo was for less than a decade.’’
The paramount ruler submitted that the festival gives another
opportunity to examine and conceptualize the entire building qualities of Sango and use that as a possibly template for efforts in nation-building.
Said he,’’ Yoruba cultural studies should go beyond a study of the
performing traditions, but should now begin to emphasize scholarship
in the intellectual foundation of this universal culture. The Ministry
of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation should support our
genuine efforts to promote the study of Sango, the celebration of the
festival, and the appropriation of the virtues of leadership
demonstrated by Sango. Sango indeed is at the heart of this expanding
world of the Yoruba and competing favourably with other religions to
explain spiritual and physical mysteries.’’
The Ministry, Alaafin also disclosed, will provide substantial support
for efforts to expand the celebration of Sango Festival as part of a
grand agenda in cultural tourism and the study of Sango’s leadership
and heroic attributes as basis for national orientation.
While describing the Alaafin as one of Africa’s most celebrated and
cerebral natural and traditional rulers, Oba Adeyemi pointed out that
the ancient city of Oyo remains the home of tradition and precisely at
the spot at which the most celebrated African political system was
designed, implemented and perfected to excellence.
He, however, enjoined Yoruba in diaspora to immerse themselves in their religious and traditions for spiritual strengthening, personal fulfilment in life, global understanding and harmony.
In his words: “You should look beyond the challenges of
nation-building we are currently facing in Nigeria and concentrate
attention on the spiritual significance of your home coming to rebuild
your cultural identity and spiritual self-rediscovery.’’
Explaining the essence of the festival, Alaafin had earlier told the mammoth crowd, including foreign nationals from 23 countries that witnessed the grand finale of the 10-day festival, that going by happenings around the world in contemporary times, there is the need for the Yoruba,
as a people, “to retain our traditional and cultural identity in
face of the global village, which the world has become as a result of fast-improving technology.
The paramount ruler noted that while great countries celebrate their glorious past, Africans do not give much reverence to theirs due to super-imposition of the two main religions of Islam and Christianity.
‘Unfortunately, preachers of these two religions are known for etching their sermons and creed into the consciousness of Africans’ psyche, which have conditioned our sense of appreciation and thinking. The colonial mentality has blindfolded us and made us to perceive erroneously our invaluable culture and tradition as fetish. This has
also resulted in the way we picture our past heroes and great men of
valour and virtues, who should be immortalised, venerated and
celebrated’’.
He continued, ‘’not only that, their deeds, acts and wise sayings were
worthy of compiled, documented, reserved and preserved for generation
yet unborn. The purpose of the of the name World Sango is to recognize
Oyo as the original ancestral home  of Sango and to unite all Yoruba
descents and enthusiasts  once in  a  year in Oyo town.
He stated that life of Alaafin Sango remains excellent example in leadership, considering the fact that his rule of Oyo was far less than a decade.
Oba Adeyemi stated that before Sango ascended the throne, his brother, Ajaka, was deposed probably because his temperament did not meet the requirements of the turbulent period.
“Sango was preferred because he was a man of valour, purpose-driven, fair Judge and master of diplomacy. He became king when Oyo, at its formative stage, was surrounded by mighty and warlike states such as Nupe, Ibariba and Owu.
His charismatic leadership re-defined the
character and pattern of inter-group relations and diplomacy and made Oyo the centre-piece of his foreign relations’’.
The paramount ruler further explained that Sango’s dynamic alliances,
including marriages were constructed to pursue the greater interest of Oyo just as he spared  no effort  in consolidating the military ascendancy of Oyo in the region.
“Under the inspirational leadership of Sango, the Oyo kingdom became known not just for the effectiveness of its political system, but as well for its military strength, Sango’s seven years reign was marked with several wars fought to liberate Oyo from its predatory  and truculent older neighbours.
His short reign consolidated the position of Oyo as the foremost
Guinea Savannah State and also secured the independence and sovereignty of the nascent kingdom.’’
Sango, Alaafin asserted eventually became the hero of his people and the circumstances of his death as controversial and mysterious as they continued to be referenced all over the world. He died with the concern of his people paramount in his heart.
 He paid the supreme sacrifice and left Oyo more grandiose, more stable, better administered and more secured than he met the nascent kingdom.
He is today been remembered as ‘’one of the rare African leaders who became instant success in empire building.’’