The Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has criticized Fuji musician Taye Currency for his performance at the installation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.
In a viral video making the rounds on social media, the musician could be heard singing in Yoruba “Were la fi n wo were”, meaning “we cure madness with madness.”
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Reacting in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, Oba Tejuosho said that Currency engaged in what he called “disgusting and uncultured lyrics.
He asserted that such careless statements and vain glory songs failed to accord the highly respected Yoruba tradition and sacredness of the coronation event the respect that it deserves.
The royal father said that the coronation of a monarch is expected to be a momentous occasion, steeped in tradition, grandeur and the collective pride of traditional institutions and the nation at large, and that no one is therefore allowed to subject such a highly significant cultural and spiritual event to any form of disrepute
He said, “The throne of our ancestors is not a stage for mockery, nor the coronation of a great monarch a subject for careless entertainment.
“Kingship is sacred, adorned with honour and guarded by tradition. It demands reverence, dignity, honor, class and the utmost respect from all who stand in its presence.
“Listening to the musician (Taye currency), who was invited to render music before the Crown, as a matter of fact before the entire world, to serenade the audience and sing in a way to express admiration, singing songs like (were lafin wo were) We use madness to cure madness
“Such lyrics were classless and unbefitting of such occasion, it is insulting to the sacredness of the gathering.
“His Majesty Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja Arusa the the first, is unarguably considered to be the first Nigerian to be a senator, a governor as well as a king, his coronation ceremony was filled with dignitaries from all walks of class, royalties, big political figures, world ambassador and representatives of diverse clans.
“Such conduct and lines of music was unfit and unacceptable in the presence of the entire world, music in the royal court is not mere noise, but an offering of homage to history, culture, and authority.
“It is of utmost importance to state it clearly that before the throne, words must carry weight, rhythm must uphold respect, and melody must be a vessel of honor, (Sekere loba njo).
“To do otherwise is to stain the dignity of our heritage and diminish oneself before the people.
“The sanctity of the crown remains untouchable. Those who approach it must do so with wisdom, restraint, and profound respect.
“Doing a deep thinking will make one queries the reason of the organizers presenting such individual to represent an event of such magnitude, especially with presence of dignitaries such as His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Gcfr) the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“No wonder people invest so huge in having the likes of King Sunny Ade, Commander Ebenezer Obey or Alh Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 d ultimate) at the band stand to duly represent and promote their images.
“And if Oyo State had wanted to promote their own, the likes of Alh Rasheed Ayinde (Merenge) and other calm artistes would have been an appropriate selection for an event like this.”
