Aragbiji Deserves Respect, Says Youth Association in Scathing Rebuke.

The Iragbiji Youth Association, writes this rejoinder in response to the unwarranted attack on our revered king, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, by the Speaker Osun State House of Assembly.

As proud sons and daughters of Iragbiji, we cannot remain silent while our esteemed traditional ruler is subjected to undue ridicule and disrespect in the public/media space.

The position of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji is not one to be demeaned or treated with contempt from any quarter. Our revered Kabiyesi is the custodian of our traditions, the father of our people, and a pillar of peace and unity in Iragbiji. 

It is highly inappropriate and unacceptable for any institution or individual to address our monarch in such a derogatory manner. Traditional rulers are not mere political subjects but the embodiment of our ancestral heritage and must be accorded the respect they duly deserve.

Contrary to the misrepresentation by the Osun State Government and the Speaker of the State Assembly, our revered king did not incite discord or challenge the authority of the governor. Rather, he exercised his rightful duty as the father of the land by raising legitimate concerns over a critical issue affecting our community and people. 

The Aragbiji's statement was intended to ensure that the traditions, stability, and interests of Iragbiji are protected. A leader must be allowed to voice concerns when decisions affect his people, and, unfortunately, this was misconstrued as an act of defiance.

We find it deeply troubling that instead of engaging in dialogue and addressing the concerns raised by our monarch with decorum, the government and House of Assembly resorted to public attacks and threats. Governance thrives on mutual respect and constructive engagement, not intimidation. 

The attempt to paint the Aragbiji as a villain in this matter is not only disrespectful but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the revered role of traditional rulers in governance and community development.

As youths of Iragbiji, we demand that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly retract his offensive remarks and accord our king the dignity he deserves. We are not against government policies, but we insist that matters relating to our chieftaincy and heritage be handled with the highest level of respect, fairness, and dialogue.

We urge the governor, the State Executive Council, and all relevant stakeholders to address any concerns regarding the chieftaincy declaration with transparency, due process, and engagement with all affected parties. 

The dignity of our traditional institutions must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

Iragbiji is a land of peace, and we remain committed to upholding our cultural values and ensuring harmony between our people and the government. However, we will not stand by while our revered king is subjected to public insults and ridicule. We call for an immediate cessation of such attacks and demand that all issues be addressed through respectful dialogue and mutual understanding.

Signed:

The Iragbiji Youth Association

Date: 1st February 2025