By Ayo Arowojolu
The fast waning, diminishing esteem and regalness of traditional rulers in Nigeria will take the centrestage of debate on the popular monthly interview discourse, Boiling Point Arena, on Sunday June 9, 2024.
This time around, two eminent personalities, the Olu of Igbokoda in Ondo State, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo and an elderstatesman and cultural icon, Dr Yemi Farounbi are the Guest Speakers to mount the podium.
The topic of discourse is: “Erosion of Traditional Dignity: How Nigeria’s Flawed Political and Judicial Systems Undermine Stature of Traditional Rulers.”
The once-in-a-month current affairs programme will hold via Zoom on Sunday and will be transmitted live on a radio station, Sweet 107.1FM, for a two-hour duration from 8pm.
Boiling Point Arena, with an incredibly large online followership, is the brainchild of the Initiator and Convener, Dr Ayo Arowojolu, a media professional with 34 years multi-varied work career spanning the media, banking and education sectors.
This particular edition of the online discourse on governance and nation building, is the 20th such installment since the programme debuted in November 2022.
In the recent times, the conversation has centered around the myriad of issues plaguing the traditional institution in Nigeria across the North, South, East and West of the country to the extent that the hitherto dignity, esteem and magnificence accorded monarchs have been sharply eroded.
In particular, issues like the game of thrones in the Kano Emirate and the wanton subjection of judicial processes to a game of toys by political actors will be on the front burner for review.
The duo of Oba Odidiomo and Dr Farounbi are to pointedly posit whether or not there should be constitutional roles for traditional rulers in governance while not also leaving out occasional issues of lack of decorum by certain Obas.
Oba Odidiomo, a legal practitioner by calling used to be a prominent activist and an erstwhile ranking Exco member of the National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) during the Babangida Military Era, leading to several incidences of incarceration in detention.
For his part, Dr Farounbi, a well respected cultural icon, was formerly Nigeria’s Ambassador to Philippines and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
A foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola, is expected to deliver a keynote speech to herald the discourse, in his capacity as the Chairman, Boiling Point Council of Royals and Elders.
According to a statement by the Chairman, Organizing Committee for the programme, Mr Eddy Ademosu, one of Nigeria’s notable Public Relations Icon, the interview discourse will in particular point the way forward out of the decadence.
Mr Ademosu commended the Management of Sweet FM, chaired by the Promoter, Senator Olugbenga Obadara for identifying with worthy causes through partnering with the Boiling Point platform to widen the audience reach of the programme through its terrestrial and online channels
BOILING POINT, a news and general interest Group comprises an array of eminent personalities including over 300 Professors, technocrats, industry leaders, High Court Justices, traditional rulers, security top shots, media professionals and several others.
