Daud Olatunji
The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, has come under criticism following his decision to confer the title of “King of Street” on controversial musician, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, strongly condemned the installation, describing it as “untraditional and illegal.”
In an open letter addressed to the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Eselu of Iselu expressed disappointment over the act, stating that the title has no place in Yoruba traditional institutions.
Oba Akinyemi argued that the title “King of Street,” conferred during the 21st coronation anniversary of Olu Itori, is unknown to Yoruba monarchs and could create confusion across Ogun State.
“The title ‘King of Street’ can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Olu Itori ought to have limited the title to his domain,” he said.
The monarch advised that the title should have been named “King of Itori Street” to restrict its influence to Itori Kingdom alone.
He warned that the broad usage of “Street” in the title might cause unnecessary disputes among traditional rulers and the public.
He said “The title “King of Street” which Olu Itori gave the controversial musician at His Majesty’s 21st Coronation Anniversary is absolutely an unknown title in all palaces of Yoruba Land, so given such a title to honour any personality is not only illegal, but a call for chaos if not reversed. Using the title “King of Street” can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Olu Itori ought to have limited the title to his domain.
“Kabiyesi ought to have titled it “King of Itori Street” and the musician would know that his title is only confined to Itori Kingdom.
“All streets in Ogun State have their Kings and they know how they choose them, so this generalization of the title Street should be reversed so as to prevent any problems in the State and beyond.”
The Eselu of Iselu raised concerns over Portable’s character, stating that the singer’s history of unruly behaviour and ongoing legal battles make him unfit for such an honour.
He said “apart from the wrong title given to Portable, His Royal Majesty’s decision to install the musician as a Chief was not well thought out because of the unruly and questionable behaviour of the singer who is currently facing a trial in a competent court in Ogun State.”
He argued that rather than conferring a chieftaincy title, efforts should be made to reform Portable’s lifestyle and encourage him to embrace positive values.
The monarch called on Olu Itori to revoke the title, emphasizing that such an action would restore the dignity of the traditional institution.
“My advice, once again, is that His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Akamo should revoke the title and advocate for a rebranding of the musician so that he can abandon his reckless lifestyle,” he said.
He further urged the Ogun State Council of Obas, led by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, to intervene and correct what he termed an “anomaly.”
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