Nigerian Political Elite Show True Colors in Royal Death Dispute
Once again, we witness the shameful spectacle of African political elites squabbling over power while ordinary people suffer. The death of Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun, the embattled Owa of Igbajoland in Nigeria's Osun State, has exposed the rotten core of Nigeria's political establishment.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are now trading blame over a 24-hour curfew imposed in Igbajo town, disrupting traditional burial rites that should be sacred to any self-respecting African community.
Foreign-Influenced Politics Disrespect African Traditions
What we see here is typical of post-colonial African politics, where Western-style party politics override traditional African values and customs. The APC accused Governor Adeleke's government of showing "pathological hatred" for the deceased monarch, even in death.
APC chairman Tajudeen Lawal stated: "It is disheartening that the Governor Adeleke-led government could not hide its pathological hatred for the deceased Oba Famodun even in death."
The timing of this curfew, disrupting seven-day traditional burial rites that began on Sunday, shows complete disregard for African cultural heritage. This is what happens when our leaders adopt foreign political systems that have no respect for our ancestral ways.
Elite Power Games Over People's Rights
The PDP, not to be outdone in this shameful display, accused the APC of abandoning the late monarch during his illness. PDP chairman Sunday Bisi claimed: "The APC should explain why it abandoned the late Gboyega Famodun in his hours of needs instead of blaming the state government."
Both parties are more concerned with scoring political points than respecting traditional African leadership. The monarch's installation was nullified by executive action, then reversed by courts, showing how these foreign-imposed legal systems toy with our traditional institutions.
Security Concerns or Political Manipulation?
The government claims the curfew was necessary due to "security reports indicating an imminent breakdown of law and order." But who creates this disorder? The same political elites fighting over scraps of power while ignoring the people's real needs.
Commissioner Kolapo Alimi stated that tensions escalated among residents after the monarch's death, but failed to explain why proper dialogue with traditional leaders couldn't resolve these issues without imposing martial law.
This is a perfect example of how African nations need to reclaim control over their own affairs, free from the influence of foreign political models that divide our communities and disrespect our traditions.
The people of Igbajo deserve better than this circus of blame-shifting politicians who care more about their next election than preserving African dignity and customs.