FROM ancient era, the role of women in African community development has been sparsely documented. It appeared that only women who had the advantage of hereditary royal structure in leadership ascendancy have enjoyed more documentation compared to non-monarch female leaders.
By Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.
The weak documentation of the strength of women in African nationhood, ahead of colonial rule, is not any different from quite a lot of undocumented or distorted historical contents of the people’s heritage.
Some cultures that still retain the importance of women leadership, even in contemporary age, suggest that indeed, the people’s ancestors and fore parents had strong spots for the female gender in community development. In traditional African government of some tribes and nations, there were specific offices or titles dedicated to women leaders.
Perhaps the coming of colonial rule and its western democratic contents had, over the centuries, eroded the roles of women in community developments of some of these old customs.
For some cultures, all is not lost in the ancient City of Oyo, as the remnants of the old traditions of women leadership are still well preserved, even institutionalised in modern and contemporary governance.
In Yorubaland, the Otun Iyalaje is a prominent, high-ranking female chieftaincy title that translates to “The Right-Hand Woman/Deputy to the Mother of Wealth/Commerce”.
As the Otun Iyalaje, the bearer serves as the key assistant to the Iyalaje. This role is highly influential, typically bestowed upon a woman of substance, recognized for her success as an entrepreneur, her wealth, and her ability to foster economic development within a community.
The Otun Iyalaje is a prestigious position of leadership held by women who manage trade, oversee commerce, and drive economic prosperity in Yoruba communities.
However, it was a moment of splendour, pride and deep cultural significance today in Oyo City, Oyo State, as a seasoned woman Entrepreneur, Chief Mrs Khadijat Omotoso was conferred with the chieftaincy title of OTUN – IYALAJE of Oyo Kingdom. Kingdom.
The title was conferred by His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, in recognition of her exceptional service, steadfast commitment and outstanding contributions to the development of the kingdom, as well as her impact on humanity.
The ceremony drew an impressive gathering of Captains of industry, distinguished invited guests, traditional rulers from Oke – Ogun area , chiefs from the City villages, trade unions, thousands of elated residents and well-wishers, who converged at the Aganju Forecourt , in the ancient Palace of Oyo City, to witness the elevation of a woman widely admired for her integrity, vision and selfless service.
The new Otun – Iyalaje, accompanied by her husband who is the Otun of Awe town and the Executive Chairman of Bond Chemicals Industry, High Chief ( Dr.) Adebowale Omotoso, was later presented with a certificate of authority by the Alaafin after the installation which entailed some traditional processes.
Speaking after conferring the chieftaincy title, the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom , Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, said leadership dynamics are constantly changing as the world witnesses nowadays, and consequently, women remain at the forefront of this change.
He stated that the cultural imperative of women in leadership is a critical shift towards dismantling patriarchal systems and achieving gender equality, acting as both a moral imperative and a catalyst for societal advancement.
According to him, “” it advocates for breaking down traditional, restrictive gender norms to ensure women have equal access to decision-making roles, ultimately driving economic we, innovation, and more inclusive,, empathetic organizational cultures.ed
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“” There is a crucial need to dismantle patriarchal, institutional, and social, structures that portray women as weak or inferior,, particularly in developing contexts.The imperative involves fostering a new, inclusive culture where women’s leadership is normalized rather than viewed as a contradiction to traditional roles, promoting the idea that women are equally capable leaders””.
The Paramount Ruler pointed out that creating a culture of “women supporting women” is crucial, enabling the next generation of female leaders to visualize their paths by seeing others in positions of power, adding that increasing the number of women in leadership positions directly correlates with improved organizational performance, greater innovation, and stronger economic resilience.
“” Women in leadership are often found to be more collaborative, empathetic, and dedicated to ethical behaviour and mentorship, leading to improved,, more inclusive, organizational cultures””..
Describing Chief Mrs Khadijat Omotoso as a passionate business tycoon whose productivity is not for selfish gain, but to strengthen and provide for her family and the City.
“”She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Despite her busy schedule and business dealings, she extends her hand to the needy and opens her arms to the poor. She is motivated, ambitious, and finds joy and purpose from within rather than relying on external validation.
Speaking in a an Exclusive chat, the new Otun – Iyalaje of Oyo Kingdom promised to work towards the Kingdom’s socio-economic development, which she said was an essential, proactive endeavour that strengthens local resilience, reduces dependency on external aid, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
“” Active participation by residents, she stated will ensure that development is tailored to local needs rather than imposed from the top-down. This fosters ownership and pride, turning community members into active agents of change””.
Chief Mrs Omotoso also pledged to maintain open communication to build trust and ensure that resources are used for the common good.
