The Media and Administrative Departments in the ancient Palace heartily congratulate the Royal Family and, indeed, the entire people of Oyo metropolis on the strings of success coming our way at this time.
The 15th of January every year will always go down as a red-letter day in the history of the metropolis.
It is a day that His Imperial Majesty, IKu Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, celebrates his coronation anniversary..
Consequently, Saturday , 15th of January this year, the Paramount Ruler will roll out drums amid pomp and pageantry for His 51st coronation anniversary.
The event should not be for wining and dining alone, but holistic considerations of its significance and how has it imparted meaningfully in the lives of the people.
For a Ruler to be on the throne of his forefathers for fifty one years is not a joke.
What then are the characteristics that make a successful Ruler?
Leadership sets the standards and culture for ethical behaviour.
A Leader or Ruler is there to serve:
Leadership or Rulership is about creating a vision that inspires those who work for and around the Ruler to participate actively in key goals, objectives and the overall mission.
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, is one of those tfew Taditional Rulers that have an astute clarity of expression, and communicating thoughts that are entirely synchronized with the messages delivered AND received.
He is a Ruler with the ability to communicate effectively at every level in his domain, and ability to listen and debate, rather than simply ‘delivering’ ideas.
The Paramount Ruler prepares to engage in debate around ideas and really listen to every suggestion.
His ability to create and maintain trust and respect among his people quickly and effectively is superb, as Alaafin is able to spot key problems and empower competent manpower to iron out any issues.
Oba Adeyemi is a Ruler who have confidence to delegate work to his aides and community leaders and step back .
He is of the conviction that leaders or rulers are there to empower others to become leaders or ruders. Little wonder the large number of Baales that the Alaafin had upgraded either through recommendations to the Government’s, or wearing of beaded crowns in Yorubaland..
Alaafin also believes that “administration is not the same as leadership: As your Rulership grows, your necessity for managing greatly decreases as people become self-driven towards the vision”.
However, many rulership positions often require administrative skills but which are seriously lacking. Just as many Traditional Rulers must learn to perform as both rulers (visionary) and with the ability to define strategy and drive execution like the IKu Baba Yeye.
This requires a great versatility that allows the Alaafin to set clear goals, objectives and targets, and communicate these in an effective way.
According to Oba Adeyemi, “be a Ruler and not a micro-manager: Give your people room to breathe while monitoring their performance from behind the scenes. Encourage your subjects to hold one another accountable against their plans and focus on achieving collective results”.
Another unique attribute of Oba Adeyemi’s astute rulership is the ability to inspire his people and to bring the best out in them , recognize where further training and education can be used to develop their skills . It is about providing the empowerment necessary to guarantee people can succeed
What is more, Alaafin is forward thinking.
Beyond adapting to external changes, he enacts his own.
He is able to see current and future trends, apply them to his administration and stay ahead of the competition.
Particularly in today’s climate, Oba Adeyemi is able to withstand lows and still motivate his people. This requires a commitment to positivity even in times of extreme hardships, as Alaafin encourages his staffers to think and act positively in their work.
Oba Adeyemi is positive. When things are not going well, he communicates the truth. Subsequently, he provides the vision and encouragement to bring the administration forward.
He is a Problem Solver and always find solutions or (at least) suggest alternatives to every problem.
Alaafin is focused and keeps his staffers on the right track on goals and strategies.
He is a Monarch full of confidence without arrogance, just as he leads by example, not just by words.
To be continued
*Durojaiye is Director of Media and Publicity to His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo.
