By Saint-Olawale Jimoh
In the long history of the world, only few generations have been inspired to undertake the task of defending the interest and freedom of their tribe. Even among this few, only few stood the test of time. The story is the same everywhere in the globe but Africans’ version tends to be more different. A typical ‘privileged’ African feels comfortable dissociating and denying his fellow Africans for reasons best known to him.
Here in our clime, the story is worst. Everywhere you turn, there’s perfidious element working secretly or openly against the collective interest of Yoruba nation from the local to the national politics. Even our monarchs are not totally innocent of this indecent practice. We have had a well revered Oba who chose to desecrate the throne and title that predates him by imposing a title unrecognised by his forefathers and the institution that installed him when he woke up one day to announce his dumping of his traditional title for ‘Emir’ title and went further by installing a ‘Waziri’ of Yorubaland.
The recent debates and establishment of ‘Amotekun Security Network’, a Yoruba regional security outfit has further exposed the traitors of Yoruba nation in high places when some towering and highly respected Yoruba leaders chose to dissociate themselves from the project because of their interest in the much-coveted center seat. Governors loyal to the structure followed the trend. Some assigned their deputies to cover up. This on for issues that directly affect the lives of every Yoruba living in the Southwest and beyond.
Sequel to this, it highly laudable and commendable to acknowledge those who stood their ground over the years, to protect Yoruba interest and lend their voices where necessary to stop the traitorous practices.
Erelu Oodua Tinuade Mabel Onaneye is one of such persons. A woman of dignity, respect and substance. A consistent custodian of Africa culture and an epitome of African cultural heritage. Her honesty, pragmatic and hopeful insight into Yoruba problems and needs and her willingness to examine issues and weigh them objectively sets her far apart from the other self-acclaimed Yoruba cultural ambassadors and elders.
Few days ago, she was in the news, calling the straying Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, to order. Erelu accused him of bringing shame and disgrace to the ancient throne of Iwo kingdom and the traditional institution of Yoruba race. This was contained in a mail sent to Starnews NG from Texas, United States of America where she lives, and made available to Nigerian public. Same way she has intervened into several issues capable of causing discord among Yorubas, one of which concerns the newly installed ‘Mayegun’ of Yorubaland, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (commonly called K1 de Ultimate) where it was rumoured that the new traditional title holder should not prostrate to some selected Obas as instructed by the Alaafin.
In recognition of her consistent contributions to the advancement of Yoruba nations and preservation of our cultural heritages, she has bagged almost a thousand awards home and abroad. In November last year, during the prestigious YOMAFA Global Awards held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the Host and Senator Oluremi Tinubu was the Chief Host, our own Erelu Mabel O. Tinuade Onaneye was decorated and awarded ‘World Most Outstanding Oodua Woman Of The Century’.
Indeed, Erelu has been a huge blessing to Yoruba race and consistent pillar and custodian of African heritage. May her tribe and kind continue to increase.
