Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, the Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, has criticised popular Fuji musician Taye Currency.
He condemned the singer for performing what he described as “disgusting and uncultured lyrics” during the installation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.
In a viral video that has stirred public outrage, the musician was heard performing in Yoruba, “Were la fi n wo were,” which means “madness is countered with madness.”
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In a statement released to journalists on Saturday, Oba Tejuosho said that Currency’s careless performance and vain-glory song disrespected the revered Yoruba tradition and the sacredness of the coronation ceremony.
The royal father stated that a monarch’s coronation is meant to be a momentous occasion, rich in tradition, grandeur, and the collective pride of both the traditional institution and the nation.
He emphasised that no one should tarnish such a culturally and spiritually significant event.
Oba Tejuosho explained that “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 honor 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 lafi n 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”.
