OPINION: The Betrayal of Sacred Thrones: A Call to Reclaim Our Heritage, By Babajide Akran

By Babajide Akran  Traditional rulers: kings, chiefs, and baales—are supposed to be the heart of our culture, guardians of our values, and ...

By Babajide Akran 

Traditional rulers: kings, chiefs, and baales—are supposed to be the heart of our culture, guardians of our values, and champions of our people. But what happens when these thrones are hijacked by the highest bidder or political puppets? The sacred institution of traditional leadership is being dragged through the mud, mocked, and stripped of its honor. How did we let this happen?

Today, many so-called rulers are handpicked not for their wisdom or lineage, but because they bow to wealthy elites or corrupt politicians. It’s a disgrace. Some of these "leaders" bully and exploit the very communities they’re meant to uplift, acting like tyrants instead of protectors. Others are clueless about the limits of their power or the weight of the stool they sit on, turning revered traditions into a circus. Worse still, some have become land-grabbing vultures or tools for greedy politicians, selling out our heritage for personal gain. Is this what our ancestors fought for?

This isn’t just sad—it’s a gut punch to our identity. When rulers trade their sacred duties for profit or power, they spit on the legacy of our culture. Are we okay with watching our traditions be auctioned off, our communities oppressed, and our values erased? Enough is enough.

We must demand change. Let’s fight for rulers chosen fairly, who embody our culture and serve with integrity. Communities need to wake up, learn the true role of these leaders, and hold them accountable. Laws must clamp down on abuses. Will we rise to save our heritage, or sit back and let these impostors turn our thrones into a laughingstock? The choice is ours—let’s make it count.

Prince Babajide Akran, a social commentator, wrote from Badagry Town.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect that of Badagry Today. Thanks