Traditional ruler advocates for cultural justice

A traditional ruler in Kwara, Oba Gbenga Solomon, has advocated for the use of traditional cultural punishment as a means of tackling corruption in the country.

Solomon, who is the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government Area of the state, stated this on Thursday in Ilorin.

Supreme reports that the traditional ruler spoke on the sidelines of the Annual Roundtable on Cultural Orientation, led by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

Speaking on the topic: “Culture and National Cohesion, he noted that the adoption of foreign culture had resulted in loss of Nigeria’s cherished values “which defined us as a people and society of pride and integrity.”

Although he said that he was not trying to denigrate any religious inclination, he, however, added that adopting the use of traditional cultural punishment would ensure swift and prompt justice, thus preventing people from engaging in corruption.

According to him, the country’s cultural heritage has a lot of good which can solve the social ills currently being witnessed, adding: “our forefathers have the knowledge of herbs that can solve the diseases and pandemics currently ravaging the world.

“Without knowing our heritage and culture, how do we about some of these important age-old medicines that abound around us and their usage?”

The traditional ruler said that the ancient city of Ilorin was renowned for the arts of crafting iron, expressing the regret that this had now become a forgotten talent.

“We have our traditional recreational activities, such as Egungun festival and Ayo (chess) instead of the night clubs being patronised today,” he said.

The royal father also called for the revival of the traditional beauty style like plaiting of hair, dressing in traditionally-knitted attire, use of shea butter and traditional seasonings in place of modern seasonings that were harmful to human health.

“Our traditional languages are also very important to our cultural integration in our country,” he said.