By. Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.
Fuji maestro Alhaji Taye Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, took centre stage at the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, to entertain the new king’s distinguished guests drawn from all walks of life. His voice, however, echoed far beyond the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, with the resounding chant: “Were la fin wo werey”. It is with madness we test madness.”
While many criticized him for rendering such a song at a high class event, I found Taye Currency’s metaphor not only fitting but profound. His performance was more than entertainment, it was prophecy. It carried a timeless truth about the struggles of life and the reward of resilience. In that chant lay the story of how challenges meet their match in courage, and how destiny crowns only those who refuse to bow to defeat.
“Were la fin wo werey.” espoused the theme of struggle, courage, and ultimate triumph. The chant was not mere music, it was a parable of destiny. It spoke to the life and struggles of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who after decades of resilience, emerged as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The throne of Olubadan is not claimed by sudden fortune, nor inherited by bloodline alone. It is a throne earned through a long and demanding ladder that tests character and resilience. Ladoja’s journey to the throne was marked by trials that could have deterred a weaker man. He was elected Governor of Oyo State, and in 2006 he was unlawfully removed from office in one of the darkest episodes of political oppression. Though power was snatched from him, he never broke. He fought through the courts, he endured ridicule, and in the end he was vindicated, restored, and now crowned. His life is living testimony that indeed, “Were la fin wo werey.” He matched struggle with struggle, meeting obstacles with unwavering courage until destiny delivered him to the crown.
In life, strength is proven by strength, trials are answered with resilience, and only those who endure the storm are worthy of the sunrise. The new Olubadan’s coronation is therefore more than a royal ascension, it is a metaphor of victory through endurance.
Taye currency was revealing the Osun experience paradoxically, and how the people fought for the emergence of Governor Ademola Adeleke through struggles. Before the Adeleke emergence, the people of Osun endured storms of hardship, political oppression, and the weight of forces determined to silence their will for years. Every trick was deployed to keep the people subjugated. Yet, Osun did not break. Like the Olubadan who climbed the long and testing ladder to the throne, the people of Osun matched every obstacle with determination and every intimidation with courage.
At the ballot, Osun people proved the truth of Taye Currency’s prophecy: “Were la fin wo werey.” Against the madness of manipulation, they stood with the madness of resilience. Against the weapons of oppression, they wielded the weapon of unity. Against the arrogance of power, they unleashed the strength of the people’s will and elected Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2022.
In July 2022, Osun reclaimed its destiny by electing Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke as Governor. That victory was not just a political win, it was the crowning of the people’s patience, courage, and sacrifice. It was proof that no force can silence a people whose spirit burns with resilience.
Now, in 2026, the people of Osun will once again return to the ballot, with Governor Adeleke as the symbol of the people and the PDP as their party. The opposition in Osun has no popularity, no acceptance, no credible candidate, no campaign manifesto.
It is not a news that the opposition is completely lacking in values and direction, and they have absolutely nothing to offer. Interestingly, they are well aware of this. Their only hope now is intimidation by federal forces and the fantasy of electoral manipulation. But this is hilarious, which is why I feel the people of Osun state understand Taye Currency’s prophesy, and will be happy to show it to the world.
In 2026, the people of Osun will prove once more that power belongs only to the people, and no force can stop a united people. Challenges may come, enemies may rise, but Osun will always confront adversity with courage and retain the people’s victory in Governor Adeleke.
Indeed, the crown on Olubadan’s head mirrors the mandate in Osun, both are symbols of triumph through endurance. The lesson is clear, when the people stand firm, victory is sure.
“Were la fin wo werey.” The anthem of Ibadan’s coronation has now become the testimony of Osun’s triumph.
We meet at the polls.
Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a Legal Practitioner, Senior Partner at Law Corridor, Group Lead, Business Development & Policy.
