Ọrọ to jẹ mọn Ìbàdàn Se ki ń sọ? By samuel Ibikunle Arugboboisi -

Regarding the uproar and mixed feelings about Taye Currency, the MC, Bayo Adelabu, and all that followed, the part I was tagged into was the “wèrè là fi ń wò wèrè” song by Taye Currency.

Honestly, I’m selective of what I comment on, because I don’t want to shift the focus of this great historical moment of the coronation of our King to side controversies.

But before addressing the big issue, let’s be clear,

what played out yesterday was more political than cultural. Politics came into full display conflict of interest between two political parties, the state, government structures, even security details. Everyone involved knew exactly what they were doing. It was PDP vs APC on full stage.

Taye Currency delivered exactly what PDP wanted, while APC and many culture enthusiasts felt disappointed, aggrieved, and worried.

Do I blame Taye Currency? No.

Did he perform according to the expectations of those who invited him and the job description they gave him? Yes

Could he deliver better? Yes.

Could other artistes have been a better fit for the coronation if politics wasn’t involved? Absolutely,

only two names come close; Òṣùpá and Shefiu Alao.

But truth is, every government chooses its preferred praise singer without considering public opinion,

Gov. Akala chose Femo Lancaster all through.

Gov. Ajimobi used Rasheed Ayinde Merenge.

President Tinubu has always chosen K1 from the Lagos days.

Gov. Seyi Makinde chose Taye Currency.

So let’s be honest, Gov. Makinde gave us Taye Currency because he needed a musician who would sing his praises to the high heavens. Politically, he achieved his goal. But culturally, it came at the expense of Ibadan’s honour.

Now “wèrè là fi ń wò wèrè” is trending, as though the poor sitting arrangements and failing sound systems weren’t enough. Add to that the late arrival of the President and Governor, which almost dragged the ceremony, if not for the King’s good health. The dry jokes and awkward fillers only made things worse.

Currency did his job, and in the process, he even made Fuji trend again where people had stopped paying attention.

But here is the truth,

We must separate culture from politics. Sadly, under this government, almost every cultural activity has been politicized, and it is gradually diminishing the value of our traditional institution.

_ArugboBoisi

CLICK THIS LINK BELOW TO WATCH A COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENTARY OF THE 44TH OLUBADAN OF IBADANLAND, OBA RASHIDI ADEWOLU LADOJA