By Sunday Ani
Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammeed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun 111, has urged traditional rulers to stay on the course of their mandate as the custodian of culture and tradition.
Speaking at the Ramadan lecture held in his palace on Saturday, the monarch maintained that traditional rulers are the symbols of culture and tradition within their areas of jurisdiction.
He said: “The certificate of our office says we are to champion culture and tradition of our people. So, anything outside that is going beyond the mandate.
” No traditional ruler is crowned in the church or mosque. We are to adhere strictly to and ensure that our cultural heritage and tradition are promoted.
” Any traditional ruler that wants to champion religion should either go to Jerusalem in case of a Christian or Saudi Arabia for Muslim,” he added.
Earlier, the guest lecturer, Sheikh Ibrahim Arowona Annakeb, speaking on the title of the lecture, ‘Love,’ described love an the embodiment of everything.
He, however, enjoined Muslim faithful at the lecture to love one another, saying it is very important to do that.
He said: “Love is very crucial. If you don’t revere God, how will you love a fellow human being?
“If you don’t love someone, it will be very difficult for you to remember such a fellow in case there’s any opportunity,” he said.
Makama also used the opportunity to share foodstuffs and other items to the people who thronged the area.
The lecture, which also featured the distribution of foodstuffs and groceries to the poor and less privileged, witnessed a large turnout
An indigene of Kuta, who was excited about the food items, said the Oba has made it an annual event to take care of widows, orphans and less privileged.
The monarch also used the opportunity to call on the government at all levels to always remember the poor, especially during the Ramadan fasting.
Also, speaking at the event, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said he was excited that the theme of the lecture, which is ‘Love’ was seen among the Obas around the host- Oba Makama.
He said: “I have been hearing about Ramadan lecture for quite sometime now, but what was demonstrated here today with Oba Makama and his traditional ruler friends, who came from far and near to celebrate with him was unique. It shows that true love exists here.”