The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammeed Adekunle Makama, Tegbosun III, has urged traditional rulers to remain focused on their role as custodians of culture and tradition, warning against mixing religious influence with traditional authority.
Speaking at a Ramadan Lecture held at his palace on Saturday, Oba Makama emphasized that traditional rulers have a clear mandate to uphold their communities’ cultural heritage.
“Our certificate of office says we are to champion the culture and tradition of our people—anything beyond that is outside our mandate,” the monarch said. “No traditional ruler is crowned in a church or mosque. If you want to champion religion, go to Jerusalem or Saudi Arabia.”
The event also featured the distribution of foodstuffs and groceries to the less privileged, a tradition the monarch has maintained annually. Oba Makama called on the government to support the poor, especially during the fasting period.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), praised the Olowu for combining tradition with community care.
“What Oba Makama demonstrated here with other traditional rulers reflects true love and unity,” Adebayo said.
The guest lecturer, Sheikh Ibrahim Arowona Annakeb, spoke on the theme of love, urging Muslims to embody compassion and unity.
“If you don’t love others, it will be difficult to support them when opportunities arise,” Sheikh Annakeb said.
The well-attended lecture reinforced Oba Makama’s reputation for blending cultural preservation with social responsibility.
