OMOLOLA TALKSTV YÀRÁ ÌKẸ́KỌ̀Ọ́
MODULE 4 – BÀÁLẸ̀, MOGAJI & AARE
Lesson 023
Who Is an Aare? A Title of Honour, Leadership, and Responsibility
Ẹ káàbọ̀ sí Omolola TalksTV Yàrá Ìkẹ́kọ̀ọ́.
When many people hear the word Aare, one name immediately comes to mind—Aare Ona Kakanfo.
Others think the title simply means a chairman or the head of an organisation.
But is that all the word means?
Not quite.
Like many Yoruba titles, Aare has a rich history that deserves to be understood.
A Title That Carries Weight
In Yoruba tradition, Aare is a title of honour given to someone who occupies a position of leadership, responsibility, or distinction.
Depending on the kingdom, community, or organisation, the responsibilities attached to the title may differ.
That is why you may hear titles such as Aare Ona Kakanfo, Aare Agbaye, or honorary titles beginning with Aare.
Although they all share the same word, they do not all carry the same responsibility.
Context matters.
More Than Prestige
One thing our ancestors understood very well was that honour should never be separated from responsibility.
Receiving a respected title was not simply an opportunity to wear beautiful clothes or receive applause.
It was a reminder that people expected something from you.
Wisdom.
Integrity.
Courage.
Service.
That is what gave the title its value.
A Lesson for Today
We live in a time when titles are sometimes admired more than the work behind them.
Yoruba culture encourages us to think differently.
Instead of asking,
"What title does this person have?"
Perhaps we should also ask,
"What responsibility comes with that title, and how faithfully is it being carried out?"
That question is just as important today as it was generations ago.
What Can We Learn?
Whether we are traditional title holders or not, every one of us has responsibilities in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
The lesson behind the title Aare reminds us that true honour is earned through service.
Leadership is not about being seen.
It is about making a positive difference wherever you are.
Classroom Question
If you could describe a true leader in just three words, what would they be?
Share your answer in the comments.
Every perspective is welcome.
Editor's Note
The meaning and responsibilities attached to the title Aare may vary across Yoruba kingdoms, institutions, and organisations. This lesson presents the most widely accepted understanding while acknowledging those variations.