Ogun monarch knocks Fuji musician, Taye Currency, over lyrics at Olubadan coronation

The Olu of Kemta Orile, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has criticised Fuji star Taye Currency for his choice of words during Friday’s coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo State.

A viral clip from the event shows the singer using the phrase in Yoruba, “Were la fi n wo were,” which translates to “we cure madness with madness.” The performance has since attracted mixed reactions online.

In a statement released on Saturday, Oba Tejuosho described the lyrics as “disgusting and uncultured,” insisting they were out of place at a ceremony that carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.

According to him, “The throne of our ancestors is not a stage for mockery, nor the coronation of a great monarch a subject for careless entertainment. Kingship is sacred, adorned with honor and guarded by tradition. It demands reverence, dignity, honor, class and the utmost respect from all who stand in its presence.”

He faulted the organisers for allowing such a performance, stressing that the moment should have reflected respect for Yoruba heritage.

“Listening to the musician (Taye Currency), who was invited to render music before the Crown, as a matter of fact before the entire world, to serenade the audience and sing in a way to express admiration, singing songs like (were lafi n wo were) We use madness to cure madness. Such lyrics were classless and unbefitting of such occasion, it is insulting to the sacredness of the gathering,” he said.

Highlighting the calibre of guests at the coronation, including President Bola  Tinubu, the monarch noted that “Such conduct and lines of music was unfit and unacceptable in the presence of the entire world, music in the royal court is not mere noise, but an offering of homage to history, culture, and authority.”

He added that more seasoned performers, such as King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey or Wasiu Ayinde, would have been better suited for the occasion. “And if Oyo State had wanted to promote their own, the likes of Alh Rasheed Ayinde (Merenge) and other calm artistes would have been an appropriate selection for an event like this.”

Oba Tejuosho concluded by warning that the sanctity of the crown must never be compromised. “It is of utmost importance to state it clearly that before the throne, words must carry weight, rhythm must uphold respect, and melody must be a vessel of honor, (Sekere loba njo). To do otherwise is to stain the dignity of our heritage and diminish oneself before the people.”