Oyo lawmaker defends Taiye Currency over coronation song backlash

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Adebisi, has defended his father and renowned Fuji musician, Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taiye Currency, following criticisms that trailed a song performed at the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.

The performance, which included the line “using madness to deal with madness”, drew public backlash, with many describing it as inappropriate for the traditional ceremony.

Addressing journalists in Ibadan, Hon. Adebisi insisted that the lyrics were misunderstood and taken out of context.

He explained that the words were metaphorical, referencing the political crisis that led to the impeachment attempt against Oba Ladoja during his tenure as Governor of Oyo State.

According to the lawmaker, the song highlighted the resilience of Oba Ladoja, who at the time resisted political pressure and refused to bow to forces behind his impeachment.

He further described Taiye Currency as a seasoned performer with over three decades of experience, who often employs parables to deliver social and political messages through music.

“The message was not an insult or inappropriate. My father only used his art to remind people of a chapter in Oyo’s political history that shaped the man now on the throne as Olubadan,” Adebisi said.

The coronation of Oba Ladoja, held last Friday, was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and has been celebrated as a historic milestone in Ibadanland.