Omisore, culture and tradition icon

Anyone who appreciates the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba would definitely appreciate a man who uses his all to promote and preserve the heritage of our forbearers. Such a person should be lauded objectively not minding his political leaning. It is in this regard that the Osun State concerned youths appreciate a prominent son of Oduduwa who has been instrumental to the uplift of Yoruba culture, custom and tradition,
both within and outside the shores of this land. He is Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Senator Omisore is an ardent and passionate believer in our customs and tradition with a strong belief that our common heritage should not be rubbished because of the so-called Western civilisation. To him, culture is sacrosanct. It should be separated from religion. He believes the two prominent religions of Christianity and Islam do not forbid us from observing or respecting our culture, custom and tradition as long as they are not in conflict with the tenets of our faith.
Senator  Omisore was born to the prestigious royal family of Oba David Olajide Omisore, the Olu of Awolowo town, Olode and late Princess Emily Adejola Omisore.
Apart from his father being an Oba, his mother was a Princess from Ifewara and later became a regent before passing on to glory. This strict moral upbringing from the palace has put him in good stead to appreciate culture and tradition.
His respect for tradition as well as contributions towards the development of the Yoruba kingdom had earned him more than 40 chieftaincy tittles both within and outside Yoruba land, most of which were even bestowed on him before he became a renowed politician. Some of them include Apesin Oodua of Ifeland, Bashorun of Ijeshaland.  High Chief Lisa of Osogboland, Mayegun of Ijero Kingdom, Seriki of Usi-Ekiti, Agbaakin of Ila- Orangun , Asipa of Inisha, Otunba of Ipetumodu, Akinrogun of Ede, Asiwaju Balogun of Ibadanland, Otunba of Odo-Eku Isin in Kwara State, among others.
At the Senate where he was at a time in the Culture and Tourism Committee, he used his influence to add value to Osun State. Some of the benefiting centres include Yemo Groove, Opa Oranmiyan and Ife Museum. He also built 30 lock-up shops at Yemoo groove to boost commercial activities at the centre. Apart from these, he has made immeasurable contributions towards the successful celebration of major festivals such as the Olojo and Osun Osogbo festivals.
However, inspite of Senator Omisore’s modest contributions to the preservation of our culture, some mischief makers are out to tarnish his image and reputation.
They accused him of arrogance and not wanting to prostrate before traditional rulers, especially the OOni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. But Omisore does not fancy replying his accusers because one of the canons of the training at the palace is for the prince to be silent while the noisemakers are  making noise. Omisore is well trained and cultured enough to know that it is culturally and traditionally required of anybody in Yorubaland, no matter how highly placed, to respect and prostrate for a traditional ruler. He does not only prostrate to traditional rulers but also to elders.
As custodians of our culture and tradition, our revered traditional rulers would not honour someone who downgrades or treats our culture with ignominy. It is unimaginable that the Ooni of Ife would honour someone who does not respect him with the tittle of Apesin Oodua of Ile-Ife , or would the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, ever honour anyone that despises him with the title of Bashorun of Ijeshaland ? Other traditional rulers from Ibadan, Osogbo, Ede, Ila- Orangun, Inisha, Ipetumodu and outside Yoruba land also bestowed on Omisore many chieftaincy tittles. It should be noted that these traditional rulers of high integrity cannot be bought with money. They give out chieftaincy titles based on the good track records of the beneficiaries.
Testimonies abound about Omisore’s humility and respect for traditional institutions. A highly revered traditional ruler in Yoruba land, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, who confirmed Omisore’s humility and respect for Yoruba culture and tradition, noted that he hails from a famous royal family where they hold customs and traditions very high. He said omisore is a friend to many Emirs and Obis because of his humility and respect for them. On a personal note, the Deji also confirmed that before he even became a traditional ruler, Omisore used to refer to him as Egbon (my elder brother) and accord him all the respect due to an elderly person.
To the Iyalode of Ile-Ife, Senator Omisore is a unique human being who is not carried away by his affluence and influence. She noted with delight that Omisore is humble, even with his benevolence. Distinguished Senator F.K Bajomo from Ogun State, who served at the Senate with Senator Omisore, said that the allegation levelled against him is not only destructive but also totally illogical, because if Omisore could respect his colleagues at the National Assembly, there was no reason why he wouldn’t respect traditional rulers. Bajomo wondered why some people would thrive in discrediting others simply because of politics.
 Omisore, should continue to work for the cause of Osun State, Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole. He should forgive those spreading white lies against him knowing full well that forgiving his enemies does not help them; it helps him.

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