Sacred Throne, Not a Stage: Ogun monarch blasts Taye Currency’s lyrics at Ladoja’s coronation

The Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has strongly criticized popular Fuji musician Taye Currency over his lyrics during his performance at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan.

In a now-viral video from the ceremony held on Friday, Taye Currency was heard singing in Yoruba: “Were la fi n wo were” — which translates to “madness is cured with madness.” The performance has since sparked widespread reactions online.

In a statement released on Saturday, Oba Tejuosho condemned the song, stating that it showed a lack of respect for Yoruba tradition and diminished the sacredness of the royal occasion.

“The throne of our ancestors is not a stage for mockery, nor the coronation of a great monarch a subject for careless entertainment,” Oba Tejuosho said.

He noted that coronations are momentous, cultural milestones that require honor, reverence, and dignified conduct — not vulgar lyrics or casual behavior.

“Music before the throne should be a homage to culture and authority, not an avenue for classless lyrics,” he added.

The monarch further described the lyric as “unfit, unacceptable, and insulting,” particularly in the presence of national dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traditional rulers, diplomats, and political leaders who attended the event.

Oba Tejuosho questioned the rationale behind inviting such a performer to an event of such historic and spiritual magnitude, emphasizing the need for better judgment by event organizers.

He pointed out that respected artists such as King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, or K1 De Ultimate are often chosen to lend class and cultural reverence to royal events, and that if Oyo State wished to spotlight homegrown talent, more refined musicians like Rasheed Ayinde (Merenge) would have been more appropriate.

“To diminish the sanctity of the crown with careless entertainment is to dishonor our heritage,” he concluded.