Obasanjo To Apologise To Oyo Traditional Rulers
Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, has requested that former President Olusegun Obasanjo publicly apologize to Oyo monarchs.
On September 15, during the commissioning of a road project in Oyo, Obasanjo asked the monarchs present to stand and greet the state’s governor, Seyi Makinde.
The development sparked reactions on social media with some Nigerians accusing the former president of disrespecting the monarchs.
Commenting on the matter, Afenifere said it was shocked at the “avoidable and unwarranted incident”.
In a communique issued on Wednesday, the group said the former president’s action was as if a military commander was giving orders to his troops.
“We Yorubas respect our traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which, are our traditional rulers, who traditionally and spiritually, have acquired the status of deities. It’s not surprising that they are referred to as ‘Igbakeji Orisa’!” the communique reads.
“In view of the attempt to ridicule the respected Obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby demands an unreserved Public Apology to Obas from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Our tradition describes who we are. As such, no effort must be spared to prevent the rubishing of our noble tradition.
“In that wise, it’s hereby recommended that Royal Fathers are spared the trouble to stand up at public functions as obtained in the United Kingdom among others.”
