During a meeting with a delegation from the Agbekoya Society of Nigeria, Aare Onikoyi, Otunba Tomori Williams, emphasized the vital role of tradition in the selection of leaders.
The delegation, led by Aare Kamorudeen Okikiola, President of the Agbekoya Society, visited Aare Onikoyi in Lagos to discuss plans for the group’s upcoming 85th-year anniversary.
Aare Onikoyi, serving as a Patron of the Agbekoya Society, offered his royal blessing for the success of the anniversary. He stressed the importance of consulting the Ifa Oracle in choosing rulers and political leaders. According to him, such consultations provide direction in life, solve problems, and contribute to making wise choices.
The Yoruba leader called on Yoruba leaders, South-west governors, and traditional rulers to actively participate in the forthcoming anniversary celebration of the Agbekoya Society. He sees this participation as a means to embrace and uphold traditional values in leadership and decision-making.
In response, Aare Kamorudeen Okikiola shared that the anniversary, coupled with his 25th year of administration, offers an opportunity for members to reflect on the journey of the Agbekoya Society. He highlighted the significance of discussions on the future of the country’s food security, economic stability, and the welfare of rural communities during the celebration.
The gathering also took a moment to mourn the recent passing of Murainoh Agbomeji, the last founding father of the group. Okikiola emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of such “heroes” to the stability of the region.
The Agbekoya leaders who visited Aare Onikoyi included notable figures like the National Secretary, Otunba Ogunlana Adegbenro, and the National Treasurer, Ajibola Salau. The meeting touched upon the core values of the Yoruba race represented by the Agbekoya Society, particularly its role in agriculture and rural development.
This event showcased the ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting traditional values within the Yoruba community, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary leadership discussions.