While I may not advocate for her ascension, the traditional council and kingmakers should present more compelling reasons for her disqualification. Dismissing her based solely on her gender seems weak to me. By. Engr. Ondeku
In a response to a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, where Alhaji Yunusa Sule, the Secretary of Ebiraland Traditional Council, clarified the reason behind the exclusion of the only female contestant, Professor Angela Okatahi, in the race for the vacant Ohinoyi of Ebiraland stool.
My Sincere Opinion;
Addressing the candidacy of Prof. Angela requires a delicate touch to prevent potential legal entanglements. Prof. Angela’s familiarity with our history adds a layer of complexity to the situation, necessitating a careful and thoughtful approach.
In my perspective, using tradition as a grounds for disqualifying her appears inadequate. The Ohinoyi stool was not initially conceived to be bound by our ethical traditional rites. Furthermore, examining both the 1997 (3) edit and the 2006 chieftaincy law of the state reveals no explicit exclusion of females from the possibility of ascending to the Ohinoyi stool. The historical male lineage of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Ohinoyis seems more of a historical privilege rather than a legally mandated prerequisite.
Also See: Meet Prof. Angela Orengwu Okatahi: Ebira Born Pioneer, Educator And a Humanitarian
While I do not necessarily advocate for Prof. Angela’s ascension to the throne, it is incumbent upon the traditional council and kingmakers to present more compelling reasons for her disqualification. A dismissal based solely on her gender strikes me as an insufficient justification.
The discussions surrounding this matter should delve deeper into the broader implications, taking into account the evolving social landscape and the need for inclusivity in traditional leadership. Legal intricacies aside, it is crucial to ensure that any decision made by the traditional council reflects the collective will and values of the community.
In conclusion, this reflection is offered with the utmost respect and genuine intention for a thoughtful and thorough examination of the factors at play in this significant decision for our community. ????
