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| Social Events on the Palace Grounds |
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Who needs Palaces?
In today’s world, the restoration of palaces may seem irrelevant, indeed foolish. For those who may feel this way, it is important to point out African palaces were not built just for royalty or prestige. They were very practical, and they were for the people. The social fabric which was housed within the palace system made life meaningful, productive, and peaceful. Each town had a palace, which served as a local town hall, a hostel for visitors, often times, a healthcare center and spiritual center. The palace was the city square where entertainers and artists performed, and outside the walls markets thrived-- all this under the protection and patronage of local monarchs.
The Kings themselves lived and worked for the people. The former were held accountable by the latter for everything that happened in the town, and there were complex checks and balances to ensure peace and stability.
With colonization came the collapse of the local palace system across Africa, and with the collapse of the palaces, many of the vital social systems in turn collapsed. Obviously, regardless of the strides made in modern times, Africa's disengagement from its past has not served it well.
The restoration of the palaces is thus important primarily for the following reasons:
- The preservation of Africa’s ancient earthwork architecture for the world to enjoy
- The reclamation of traditional African social systems which once served to:
- enrich the people by stressing meaningful interpersonal relationships
- prevent civil unrest and value peace
- emphasize self dignity, rational life styles, material and spiritual well being
In this and many other ways, My Palace Initiative could provide much needed solutions to many of Africa’s current problems while restoring its past. It is local with global implications.
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TESTIMONY
The story of my stay in the Palace of Ikerre:
I was travelling from Akure to Ado Ekiti. Driving through Ikerre, I was lucky to to see a Yoruba theatre company getting ready to give a performance in front of the palace. It was Ogunmola's "Love of Money" I was so enchanted that I followed him on his tour and saw several more performances. When I returned through Ikerre, I walked into the palace. Looking through the open Gate, I saw a very beautiful "Brazilian" house. The Oba sent for me and took me on a conducted tour through the palace which had some Yoruba doors and carvings of great beauty. In the end he said: It is getting late. Why don't you sleep here? I was taken to a little room that was on top of the magnificent entrance gate. Just after dawn I was woken up by the Oba's flutist who recited the Ogoga's Oriki. Before I left the Oba gave me breakfast; then he said to me: The room you slept in will be yours. Whenever you pass through Ikerre, feel free to sleep there. I often made use of his hospitality.
Ulli Beier,
Professor and leading scholar, African Literature and Culture,
Sydney
I had a chance to take a look at your website (mypalaceinitiative.org) and I was totally blown away. I think that your Initiative is wonderful because the projects will keep alive a testimony of good times past, and give hope. Every time I visit my homecountry of Morocco, I am struck by how far our way of life has strayed from our glorious past.
Keep up with the good work.
Nouredine,
Oakland, Ca
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FEEDBACK
Your project sounds like an
interesting and worthwhile one. I'm glad somebody's thinking about this, because
in so much of Africa normally the only large old buildings restored have been
the slave forts, and this would be a happy change from that.
Professor Adam Hochschild,
Berkeley, California
Good for you that you are acting on preserving this important part of African society! It was so interesting to read how the palace functioned for all levels of society. What wonderful culture and traditions there are in Africa. What a completely worthwhile project and one that just must succeed. I just know people are going to want to act on this initiative.
Alison O,
Castaic, California
This is wonderful! I am in awe of this Initiative. African palaces? I didn't even know such things existed. Your mission is definitely so worthwhile. Thank you!
Barbara S.,
Berkeley, California
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