Traditional titles in Nigeria are highly revered, respected and regarded. From generation to generation,traditional titles and entities are part of the Cultural heritage of Modern day Nigeria.
Undoubtedly, the way Monarchy is influential in Britain and any part of the world,where it is practiced,same applied to the Nigeria Monarchical system of Government and traditional Institutions.
Through our various independent Communities within Nigeria several Traditional and Chieftaincy titles are held either hereditarily or by Conferment, while some had existed before the formation of the Nation and Pre- Independence.
It is not gainsaying the facts that different Aristocratic Chieftaincy titles are held among various ethnic groups and Communities based on their peculiar Traditions and Customs ranging from Royal, Noble, Religious and Common Chieftaincy titles.
Many attimes,Monarchical and Noble titles are inherited as traditional and Cultural entitlements which involves the practice of ritual rites that may involve blood sacrifice in the process.
These traditional and Cultural practice as custom demands some times Negates the principles and beliefs of possible heir apparent and recommendations of traditional kingmakers.
A case in point was that of Olugbenga Fisayo (Surname withheld for Security reasons) in 2017, who hailed from Ologunde family, in Ori -Ade Local Government Area of Osun State.
Olugbenga, a father of three who as the eldest son according to the traditional Elders within the family was Chosen as Heir apparent based on consultation and revelation from the Family lineage Oracle, following his father's weakling roles as a result of old age and persistent sickness.
Informed by his Religious Beliefs,academic exposure and Experience While growing up, more so when it is an Anti-Christian System, Olugbenga refused the Elders and traditionalist proposal despite the conviction that it is of Patrilineal descent.
Disillusioned and Disturbed Olugbenga wondered why his family and the traditional elders having known his Faith and Beliefs as a practicing "Born Again" Christian felt so Convinced and Confident to pass a message that Negates his religious beliefs and philosophy.
It was gathered that several attempts to appeal and persuade the Traditional elders to Re consult the family lineage Oracle and pick any other person fell on Deaf ears"as they insisted that the Verdict of their deity must be respected or he face the Consequences.
Investigation within the Community as revealed, indicated with respect to the recommendations of his helpless aged father, having being Chosen by the Family lineage Oracle apart from his position as First Born was that Olugbenga acceptance was seen as one that will bring peace and development to the community.
Sensing dangers emamating from series of persuasive and Threatening calls from elders and families based on his Fastidious position, Olugbenga who formerly resided in Adekunle Banjo Avenue within Magodo between 2007 and 2017 had to change location to a suburb town within Ikorodu Area of Lagos State.
Despite physical threat to his life and properties which was not reported to any Nigeria police station based on his distrust on the system and having being conscious of the fact that there is no aspect of the Nigeria law that protect him from rejecting the Chieftaincy Title, he also suffered incessant spiritual attacks.
Unfortunately,in Nigeria many citizens within different Communities who were in the same shoe like Olugbenga have either suffered the same fate for their refusal of Chieftaincy or Kingship title without protection against intimidation and Threatening experience by the law.
Exceptions of the above was when Former Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola and that of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun have refused to Honour through acceptance proposed Chieftaincy titles.This may be Consequent upon the fact that they were the Chief Security officer of their States as it the time they were in position of authority.
Based on the above, it is pertinent to note that the Nigeria law must take into considerations the implications of Cultural practice and Traditions that Violates Individual Rights.Most importantly when such Traditions violates the freedom of interest through expressions and Lawmakers must galvanized the law to balance this.
Therefore, embracing change and civilisation with respect to individual belief's and Human rights should be a welcome development in the Promotions of Cultural Values and Sustaining Traditional Heritage such as that of Traditional titles.
Though Change is often perceived as a form of Threat, notwithstanding accepting Change in our Traditional Institutions as a Consequence of Globalization and Civilisation can foster an acceptable Cultural Values that won't infringe on the Citizens Right.
Simultaneously, Traditionalist and the Custodian of Culture should identify Barriers such as Beliefs, etc and work towards mutually acceptable promising Strategies, Innovations and Consensus that will generate better interest in promoting Traditions and Customs.
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