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By Richard Thomas: Ibadan
A renowned TV personality of yesteryears, Chief Yemi Ogunyemi has revealed how his fame and popularity earned him the throne as Baale of Oluyole Estate and Environs, in Ibadan the Oyo State Capital, saying hard work and the the grace of God earned him the feat.
Chief Ogunyemi made the revelation while speaking with Oodua News on the activities marking the 5th anniversary celebration of his ascension on the throne as the Baale of Oluyole Estate and Environs, Oluyole area of Ring Road, Ibadan.
Chief Ogunyemi also delved into the activities and event which played out in the course of the story many years ago.
Baale Ogunyemi, a veteran Broadcaster who retired from the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan after a meritorious service said the story of the glory started at the TV station when he anchored a popular and religiously viewed programme, titled, Enbalaya in the late 70s.
Speaking on how he became famous and popular on TV, the Baale of Oluyole said the development started out in 1979 when he was asked to take over presentation of the highly viewed programme, “Embalaya” on NTV which later became NTA.
“The programme was designed and created by a friend of mine called Adegbola, and presented by Funlola. One Saturday morning, Funlola was not around to present the programme and the management who had observed my rich Yoruba command and diction obliged me to present it, and after the presentation, they loved how I anchored the programme.
“Thereafter, they gave me commendation letter and asked me to continue with presentation of “Enbalaya”, a development which turned me to a house hold personality in many parts of the country, especially in the Yoruba speaking states of Nigeria. And the development, another programme, “Oro tonlo” was given to Funlola, and things went smoothly in the order of the TV station”
“I anchored the programme from 1979 to 2004 before I was transferred to Oyo for another assignment. “Enbalaya” gave me the fame and popularity which opened the door for me to become the Baale of Oluyole. The elders said my nomination was based on my credibility and personality.”
Speaking on his activities as the Baale of the Oluyole community, Chief Ogunyemi said the responsibility before him is enormous, hence, reason he has appealed to spirited individual and philanthropist to assist the palace to reach out to the downtrodden who have been calling for help in the community.
Chief Ogunyemi said he became the Baale of Oluyole and Environs five years ago, precisely in 2018 when some elders in Ibadan nominated him for the throne.
According to him, the development followed the demise of the former Baale of Oluyole and Environs, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Duroladipo. “The elders said my choice as the Baale Oluyole was based on my personality and credibility, Initially I declined but after much persuasions, I agreed to become the Baale.
According to him, the 5th anniversary celebration of his reign is meant to thank and celebrate the grace of God upon him, adding that the journey has been challenging.
“The journey has been rough and challenging due to the responsibility involved in the service. The first thing I tell people is that I have responsibilities but I do not have the monetary, economic and political powers to do much for the people.
“The constitution of Nigeria did not give traditional rulers the powers to do certain responsibilities as the case may be, but I am trying my best to reach out to the people. The people look up to us as fathers to them, but we have limited power to do so some things for them. That is why I am calling on government to allow the constitution accord official responsibilities to traditional rulers.”
Chief Ogunyemi who lamented the poor economic situation of the nation said it was high time government took drastic steps in addressing wholistically the hardship facing the masses, saying the situation is getting tougher by the day.
He said: “I give parliatives to the people time to time to assist them, and I give the general parliative within a week of seven days. This means that I must reach out to the people wether it is convenient for me or not. Some will come to me with complaints of health problems, food for their family, school fees and many others. Though, I have some people who have been supporting in this regard, but it has not been easy coping with all of these.
“Countless times I have approached women selling food stuffs to get some items for the people on credit and pay later, these are some of the challenges. But I thank God for seeing us through on the little we have been doing.”
He called on government to accord official responsibilities to traditional rulers in order to enable them further discharge quality services to the people.
“I urge government to incorporate responsibility of traditional rulers in the constitution of the country in order to enable them discharge quality services to their people.
“Let the constitution of Nigeria assign some official roles to traditional rulers in order to enable them reach out to their people such that would have meaningful impact in their lives.”
Chief Ogunyemi said five years on the throne as Baale has not been easy, but God has been good to him. He said he would be more fufilled if the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde rehabilitates and tar the Seven Up- Mobile road to make it motorable for residents of the area.
He also urged the people to cooperate the governor to enable him deliver his promises to the state.
“Some of our members in the community donated Amotekun House for us, and I want to appeal to members of the community to pay up their levies and dues to enable the system function well.
Meanwhile, some event lined up for the 5th anniversary include Jumat service to be held at the Oluyole Central Mosque, Secondary School Final football match, confirmation of Honorary Chieftaincy title, Lecture and reception on October 28 and thanksgiving service at Saint Mary Anglican church, Oluyole Extension.
