Alaafin to Alao-Akala: Your sins are forgiven

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has
advised politicians to always be cautious and have deep thoughts about their actions and deeds while in offices, in order to avoid disastrous future implications.
Oba Adeyemi also called for re-defining of ethics of politics and governance that is equal for everyone, thereby establishing a sustainable world for future generations.
Oba Adeyemi gave the admonition at the weekend when a former Governor of Oyo State and the governorship candidate of  the African Democratic Party (ADP), Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, and his entourage, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.
The royal father said though forgiveness belongs to God, he has whole-heartedly forgiven the former governor of his misdeeds to him while in office.
According to the Alaafin: “I decided to forgive Otunba Alao-Akala because he is a man of conscience who reminiscence into his actions and deeds while in power, and through moral courage, was able to detect his atrocities unconsciously committed  against the Alaafin. He repented and publicly apologised for his misdeeds. He (Akala) told the
world through the media that he was misled into confronting the Alaafin’’.
Oba Adeyemi noted that self respect, trust, truth, selflessness, moral decorum, societal values, shame,  all seem to have taken a flight, adding that many politicians have become very selfish and uncaring
about their actions and their implications after leaving the public
office occupied.
Said he, ‘’God has given every human being freedom of choice. This
does not mean that we have the right to do whatever we please. We can
live in true freedom through divine intervention, as God gives
everyone the virtue of prudence. This virtue helps us to recognize
what is good in every situation and to make correct choices. The
divine intervention gives us the gifts of wisdom and understanding to
help us make the right choices in life in relationship to God and
others’’.
The paramount ruler pointed out that one serious issue in our society
today is the problem of integrity and accountability.
Said he, ‘’the government, religious community, the Constitution and
secular society expect our citizens to live the life of integrity and
accountability. But most times people fall short of this expectation.
From what one has seen of late, it now appears that our leaders and
politicians are mainly driven by a certain crave for filthy lucre and
an uncontrollable lust for power and earthly glory’’.
Earlier, Alao-Akala, who prostrated and begged for the forgiveness of Alaafin and members of the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), said he had learnt his lessons.
 Describing the Alaafin as ‘’the most revered traditional ruler in Yoruba land whose intellectual sagacity, sense of devotion and visionary leadership styles is second to none’’, Alao-Akala solicited the support of the Alaafin in the March 2 governorship election.