The Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has criticized renowned Fuji artist Taye Currency for what he described as “disgusting and uncultured lyrics” during his performance at the coronation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo State, held on Friday.
In a viral video that has sparked widespread backlash, the musician was heard singing in Yoruba, “Were la fi n wo were,” which translates to “madness is treated with madness.”
In a statement released to journalists on Saturday, Oba Tejuosho condemned the artist’s conduct, stating that Currency’s reckless performance and self-glorifying lyrics failed to show due reverence to Yoruba traditions and the sacredness of a royal coronation.
The monarch emphasized that the installation of a king is a deeply significant event—rich in cultural heritage, dignity, and national pride—and should not be trivialized or disrespected in any way.
Oba Tejuosho explained that “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.
“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.
“His Majesty Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja Arusa the the first, is unarguably considered to be the first Nigerian to be a senator, a governor as well as a king, his coronation ceremony was filled with dignitaries from all walks of class, royalties, big political figures, world ambassador and representatives of diverse clans.
“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.
“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.
The sanctity of the crown remains untouchable. Those who approach it must do so with wisdom, restraint, and profound respect.
“Doing a deep thinking will make one queries the reason of the organizers presenting such individual to represent an event of such magnitude, especially with presence of dignitaries such as His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Gcfr) the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“No wonder people invest so huge in having the likes of King Sunny Ade, Commander Ebenezer Obey or Alh Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 d ultimate) at the band stand to duly represent and promote their images.
“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”.
