Oba Olanrewaju’s recognition as a Peace Advocate is particularly notable, as he becomes one of the few Nigerian monarchs holding such a global peace title. His induction not only acknowledges his traditional role but also affirms his unique contribution to mental health and social cohesion through his professional background as an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
By Our Reporter
In a ceremony rich with symbolism and purpose, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Ganiyu Toyin Olanrewaju, the Oninaja of Inaja Alaro in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was formally inducted as a UN-POLAC International Peace Advocate, marking a significant moment for traditional leadership in Nigeria.
The event, held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel in celebration of the 2025 International Day of Parliamentarism, was attended by diplomats, lawmakers, civil society leaders, and peacebuilders from across the country. Organized by the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC), the ceremony honoured individuals from various sectors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to peace, equality, and community development.
Oba Olanrewaju’s recognition as a Peace Advocate is particularly notable, as he becomes one of the few Nigerian monarchs holding such a global peace title. His induction not only acknowledges his traditional role but also affirms his unique contribution to mental health and social cohesion through his professional background as an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olanrewaju highlighted the critical link between mental wellness, justice, and peace, stating, “Peace isn’t simply the absence of guns; it’s the restoration of dignity, the presence of fairness, and the healing of broken minds. This is where my work as a monarch and psychiatrist meet—to build people before we build systems.”
The ceremony, themed “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” served as a platform to promote inclusive leadership and sustainable development. It was also a clarion call to engage traditional institutions in resolving Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, particularly in the face of growing banditry, terrorism, and communal unrest.
Director-General of UN-POLAC, Prof. Obong Halo Eton, in his keynote address, underscored the critical role of traditional rulers in curbing the country’s insecurity. Citing the violence in Benue State as a sobering example, he urged royal fathers, religious leaders, and local actors to rise beyond ceremonial functions and actively lead peacebuilding efforts in their domains.
“We must rise to stop the killings, kidnappings, and criminality in our nation. The failure to act now is a betrayal of future generations,” Prof. Eton warned, stressing that traditional rulers have unmatched influence at the grassroots level.
Also speaking at the event, UN-POLAC Country President, Ambassador (Engr.) Peter C. Ohagwa, placed the induction within a global framework, referencing the founding ideals of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on traditional and political leaders alike to deepen their commitment to SDG 3 (Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), noting that peace and progress require inclusive participation from all sectors of society.
For Oba Olanrewaju, the induction is more than a ceremonial badge. It represents a renewed commitment to serve as a bridge between cultural heritage and modern governance. Already known in Oyun LGA for his community mental health outreach and youth engagement initiatives, the monarch has consistently demonstrated that traditional rulers can lead with compassion, vision, and professional excellence.
“You cannot have lasting peace in a community where the people are emotionally shattered, spiritually alienated, and economically disillusioned,” he remarked, adding that true peace must begin in the minds and homes of the people.
As the blue-and-white UN-POLAC insignia was pinned to his chest, Oba Olanrewaju stood not just as a king, but as a healer and messenger of hope. His induction represents a powerful convergence of tradition, intellect, and global advocacy—proving that in today’s Nigeria, the path to peace may just be guided by those who understand both the palace and the people.
