The Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has berated Fuji musician, Taye Currency, for what he described as “disgusting and uncultured lyrics” during the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan on Friday.
In a viral video from the event, Currency was heard singing in Yoruba, “Were la fi n wo were,”which translates to “We cure madness with madness.”
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Oba Tejuosho said the musician’s choice of words demeaned the sanctity of the historic coronation and disrespected Yoruba culture.
“Coronation Deserves Respect, Not Careless Entertainment” – Oba Tejuosho
Explaining his position, Oba Tejuosho 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 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.”
The monarch further highlighted the prestige of Oba Ladoja’s coronation:
“His Majesty Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 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 ambassadors, and representatives of diverse clans. Such conduct and lines of music were 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.”
He emphasised the importance of appropriate conduct in the royal court:
“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.”
Oba Tejuosho further questioned the organizers’ decision to feature Taye Currency:
“Doing a deep thinking will make one query the reason for presenting such an individual to represent an event of such magnitude, especially with the 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 hugely in having the likes of King Sunny Ade, Commander Ebenezer Obey, or Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 d Ultimate) at the bandstand 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.”