Baba Araba Elebuibon's Response to Oluwo Sparks Debate on Traditional Leadership, Warfare and Yoruba Heritage
The recent response of renowned Yoruba traditional scholar and Ifa priest, Baba Araba Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, to comments credited to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has generated widespread reactions across social media and within Yoruba cultural circles.
The discussion has reignited an age-long debate about the responsibilities of traditional rulers, spiritual leaders, and warriors during times of insecurity and conflict.
Many commentators believe Baba Elebuibon made a valid point when he clarified the traditional roles that existed in Yoruba society. According to historical accounts of Yoruba kingdoms, warfare was not solely the responsibility of spiritual leaders. Rather, there was a clearly defined structure in which warriors, military commanders, traditional rulers, and spiritual advisers each played distinct roles.
Some observers, however, argue that history also records occasions when kings personally led or accompanied their armies into battle, especially during critical moments that threatened the survival of their people. From this perspective, they contend that if traditional rulers truly desire to protect their communities, they should be willing to take more active leadership roles in addressing security challenges.
The conversation has become particularly relevant following the growing concerns over kidnappings and attacks in parts of Yorubaland, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Some voices have suggested that traditional rulers across the South-West should collectively mobilize to support efforts aimed at securing their communities.
Supporters of this position argue that traditional rulers are not merely ceremonial figures but custodians of culture, tradition, and the collective identity of their people. They point to the traditional Yoruba concept of the Oba as "Aláṣẹ Èkejì Òrìṣà" (the authority next to the deities), a title that symbolizes the sacred and political significance of the throne.
Others maintain that while kings possess symbolic authority, the actual conduct of warfare in traditional Yoruba society was usually delegated to military chiefs such as the Balogun, Aare Ona Kakanfo, and other war commanders. According to this view, the role of the Babalawo was primarily spiritual—consulting the oracle, seeking divine guidance, and preparing protective spiritual fortifications for warriors before they went into battle.
This historical perspective aligns with Baba Elebuibon's position that every institution within traditional Yoruba governance had clearly defined responsibilities. Spiritual leaders offered guidance and rituals, warriors engaged in combat, and rulers coordinated leadership and administration.
Several commentators have also used the debate to highlight how modern governance structures have significantly reduced the powers once exercised by traditional rulers. Since the establishment of Nigeria's current constitutional system, many traditional institutions have become largely advisory and ceremonial, with executive authority resting in elected governments at the federal, state, and local levels.
Some contributors to the discussion have therefore argued that traditional rulers should be granted greater constitutional roles in local administration and community security. According to this school of thought, empowering traditional institutions could strengthen grassroots governance and improve local responses to security challenges.
Meanwhile, many social media users have praised Baba Elebuibon's response for its calm, respectful, and intellectually grounded tone. Rather than engaging in personal attacks or insults, the respected traditional scholar relied on historical explanations and cultural wisdom to make his point.
Others have noted that while extraordinary security challenges may require "all hands on deck," including support from traditional and religious leaders, the distinction between spiritual guidance and physical combat remains an important aspect of Yoruba history and tradition.
Ultimately, the exchange between Baba Araba Elebuibon and the Oluwo of Iwo has evolved beyond a simple disagreement. It has become a broader conversation about leadership, culture, security, and the relevance of traditional institutions in contemporary Nigeria.
As insecurity continues to challenge communities across the country, many believe that cooperation among government authorities, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, and spiritual institutions remains essential. What remains clear is that the debate has once again drawn attention to the enduring significance of Yoruba history and the evolving role of traditional leadership in modern society.
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