In a strong and passionate appeal, Pius Ade Babaleye, a prominent community leader and advocate for Yoruba cultural preservation, has called on the Yoruba Traditional Council to sanction controversial public figures Portable and Dami for their alleged disrespectful actions toward Baba Alafin, one of Yoruba land’s most revered traditional rulers.
Speaking with deep concern, Babaleye described the incident as a disgraceful affront not only to Baba Alafin as an individual but also to the Yoruba people and their values. He remarked, “Dragging Baba Alafin in the mud is an insult to our heritage, our traditions, and every Yoruba person. It diminishes the dignity of the institution he represents, and this cannot be allowed to continue.”
Reverence for Traditional Rulers in Yoruba Culture
Traditional rulers in Yoruba land are not mere figureheads; they are the custodians of the culture, history, and identity that define the Yoruba people. These leaders are entrusted with maintaining peace, resolving conflicts, and safeguarding traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Babaleye reminded the public of the central role traditional rulers like the Alafin play in uniting their communities, stating, “Our Obas are symbols of honor, wisdom, and continuity. They are living representations of a legacy that binds us as a people. To disrespect them is to disrespect our entire heritage.”
Social Media and the Erosion of Values
Babaleye attributed the growing trend of disrespect for traditional rulers to the unchecked freedom offered by social media platforms. While acknowledging the benefits of digital communication, he warned that its misuse has emboldened individuals to undermine the values and institutions that hold communities together.
“Portable and Dami’s actions are not isolated incidents. They represent a worrying trend where individuals, in pursuit of clout or controversy, disregard decorum and attack symbols of our identity. If we do not address this, our traditions and the respect they command will be at risk of erosion,” Babaleye cautioned.
A Call for Accountability
To protect the sanctity of Yoruba traditional institutions, Babaleye has urged the Yoruba Traditional Council to take immediate and decisive action. He stressed that the council must send a clear message that disrespecting traditional rulers will not be tolerated.
“Silence in the face of such disrespect is dangerous. It emboldens others to follow suit and sends the wrong signal to the younger generation. The Yoruba Traditional Council must act now to preserve the dignity of Baba Alafin and the entire institution of Yoruba leadership,” Babaleye stated.
He also called on Portable and Dami to publicly apologize to Baba Alafin and the Yoruba people, urging them to reflect on the gravity of their actions and the harm they have caused.
Preserving Yoruba Heritage for Future Generations
Beyond sanctions, Babaleye emphasized the importance of cultural education and awareness, especially among the youth. He highlighted the need for parents, schools, and community leaders to teach the next generation the value of respect and honor for elders and traditional institutions.
“The Yoruba culture is built on respect—respect for elders, leaders, and traditions. This is a cornerstone of our identity. We must instill these values in our children and ensure they understand that upholding our heritage is not optional; it is essential,” Babaleye affirmed.
A Community-Wide Responsibility
Pius Ade Babaleye’s appeal is not just a call to action for the Yoruba Traditional Council but a challenge to the entire Yoruba community to stand united in defense of their culture and values.
“This is about more than Portable and Dami. It is about preserving the integrity of the institutions that define us as Yoruba people. Let us rally around our traditional rulers and protect the legacy they embody,” he concluded.
As the Yoruba Traditional Council deliberates on the matter, Babaleye’s message resonates as a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard cultural dignity in an age of increasing digital disruption. The actions taken in response to this incident will set a precedent for how Yoruba values are upheld in the modern era.
