In today's Nigeria, traditional leaders, once seen as steadfast symbols of morality, have increasingly been linked to allegations of financial malfeasance.
Obas were revered as the moral compass of their people, guiding with wisdom, honour, and integrity in days past. They were the ones who listened to the cries of the people.
However, in recent times, a growing sense of distrust has overtaken the hallowed royal crowns as some traditional leaders have been embroiled in financial scandals.
The several alleged involvement of Obas in financial crimes has called into question whether the nobility of the monarchy is being eroded beyond repair. Can Nigeria restore accountability and integrity to its royal institutions?
Let’s look at some notable scandals that have fueled this concern.
Notable scandals of Obas in financial crime allegations
One such scandal that has raised eyebrows is the case of Olugbenga Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Osun State, whose arrest by the FBI for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering has shocked many.
The monarch allegedly fraudulently obtained over $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds from the United States Small Business Administration’s CARES Act.
The involvement of other traditional leaders in similar corruption-related scandals in the Southwest, like Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and Oba Akin Adeyemo of Ekiti State, shows that this issue is becoming widespread.
The case of the Ooni of Ife, who was implicated in a real estate fraud scandal, further highlights how once-sacred institutions have become tainted. The fraudulent allocation of apartments and lands to investors under the guise of royal legitimacy has shattered the faith of the people.
Another unfortunate instance occurred with Oba Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo, who was questioned by the EFCC about suspected money laundering activities. These cases paint a grim picture of the state of traditional leadership in Nigeria.
Political influence in traditional structures
Obas, once independent leaders, are increasingly being co-opted by politicians. The entanglement of politics with tradition has led to a decline in the integrity of the monarchy.
This shift has resulted in the monarchy becoming a shadow of its former self, reduced to mere pawns in political games.
A telling example of this was seen when Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, faced public backlash after commending President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Social media users, such as Mezie Abia, voiced frustrations, saying, “Gone are the days traditional rulers spoke truth to power and held political office holders accountable. Today, traditional rulers are more of political jobbers than custodians of the culture.
“Political sycophancy doesn’t suit the Ooni of Ife. It doesn’t suit the Oba of Bini, neither does it suit the Emir of Kano.
“Traditional rulers are being abducted and beheaded in cold blood by bandits every time in this country, but these killings don’t ever move our traditional rulers to speak truth to politicians who swore oaths to prioritise the security and safety of Nigerians.
“Traditional stools in Nigeria have been reduced to endorsement tools in the hands of politicians who have failed the Nation.”
Impact of corruption on the society
Corruption among traditional rulers has a direct and devastating impact on the younger generations. "When the heart of a leader becomes corrupt, it poisons the entire community," a wise saying teaches us.
As young Nigerians look to these leaders for guidance, their disillusionment grows. What was once a source of unity and inspiration has now become a source of shame and division.
The public's perception of Obas has shifted from reverence to scepticism. They are no longer seen as peacemakers and moral arbiters but as figures of self-interest, whose actions are driven by personal gain rather than the well-being of their people.
An X user (formerly Twitter), Prince Joshua reacting to the report of an alleged fraud case of a monarch said, “This is what happens wen yhu crown the wrong person as a King. AJIGA family in Ipetumodu is next to the throne. But Tinubu change’s hand. God is working.”
Another X user, ConfirmedYorubaBoy reacted by saying, “Very Sad! I’m bold to say we have problems and we r gonna face our problems head on! Most of these kings never followed the real traditional way of ascending to d throne!! Majority of them were handpicked by politicians who are criminals themselves!
“Look at the oga at d top, he’s an ESTABLISHED criminal and conducting background checks on all his political appointees and handpicked monarchs will reveal to you a lot that he always wanted kompromat on whomever will work for him!
“This is why we need our sovereignty and why these politicians will ever prefer one Nigeria Bcs all these criminal activities can only be allowed in a country of lawlessness and fraud called Nigeria!
“To the Igbos rejoicing that Yorubas are d criminals, at least we ain’t running away from our demons even though, most of these behaviours are alien to our ethos and value system as Yoruba people, Infact most of these are learnt from mixed multitudes who have invaded our land!
Time to break up Nigeria is NOW!!!”
What Nigerians are saying about corrupt monarchs
Public outrage against corrupt traditional rulers has become a defining feature of contemporary discourse. Nigerians, especially the youth, are vocal in their condemnation. Some argue that the issue is systemic and entrenched.
“We've some thieves as elders in Yoruba lands. Youths are watching these elders loot their destiny. They'll even castigate you for speaking against these thieves,” Gbemisola CFC reacted.
“A criminal king, likely to be criminal before getting any position in Yoruba land,” Chibaby stated.
“😂😂 your Governors, Kings, elder statesmen... Are all the same people. Reason the best your region could offer Nigeria was BAT,” Santa added.
“Nigerians just keep proving to the world that they are the king of fraud. Even their elders are not left out. This is sad. You all should work towards changing this narrative,” African Techie reacted.
“The height of corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic was shocking; Never forget how palliatives were said to have been hijacked by not only politicians, but also by traditional rulers. It's sad since these public figures are supposed to look out for the masses,” Daniel Regha reacted.
“The Ooni of Ife is a fraud. The Apetu of Ipetumodu is a fraud. Tinubu is a fraud. If politicians (Tinubu), youths (Ramon Abbas), and traditional leaders (Oloyede), abeg who is not a fraud at this rate? We need to stop allowing criminals into power in Yorubaland o!” The Nigerian Citizen stated.
“The yoruba obaship has truly been bastardised. Obas used to be men of great character, but since we started mixing politics with traditional institutions, there has been so much misbehavior in that institution. We really need to retrace our step,” Morola Oyedele stated.
Can Obas be reformed?
Reforming the monarchy is not an easy task, but it is necessary. The first step towards reform lies in returning to the core values that once guided these leaders.
The monarchy needs to return to its roots as the guardian of community welfare, cultural preservation, and moral integrity.
This requires a comprehensive approach, from internal reforms within the traditional institution to public accountability for monarchs involved in financial crimes.
The challenge might be to reclaim the trust of the people. However, traditional leaders must prove that their first loyalty lies with their people, not with political figures. Only then can the royal crown regain its dignity and honour.
Also, Nigerians need to ensure that only those worthy of the throne lead with integrity, wisdom, and honour.
Without this, the royal crown risks becoming a mere symbol of disgrace, rather than a beacon of hope for the future.
Once Revered, Now Reviled: How Nigerian pastors lost their untouchable status
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that for generations, pastors in Nigeria had enjoyed the security that the saying “Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm” afforded them.
A law so sacred that speaking against a pastor or man of God was believed to invite a divine curse. But in recent years, this reverence has come under intense scrutiny.