According to Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba sociopolitical movement, the former president should apologise to Oke-Ogun traditional rulers for mocking them at Iseyin two weeks ago.
The episode elicited significant outrage among Yoruba, with many blaming the former president of insulting the people’s traditional institutions and culture.
The association criticised Mr. Obasanjo’s behaviour and requested that he apologise to the traditional rulers.
Afenifere addressed the subject for the first time on Wednesday in a statement published at the conclusion of its monthly meeting in Akure, Ondo State, at the home of its retired leader, Reuben Fasoranti.
Obasnajo, who accompanied Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to the road project launching event in Iseyin in September, said that the monarchs had humiliated the governor by not rising when he arrived.
He instructed them to get up after harshly reprimanding them, and after they obeyed, he requested them to sit down.
“Afenifere was taken aback by the avoidable and unwarranted incident that took place at Iseyin, Oyo State on Friday, September 15, 2023 where former President Olusegun Obasanjo commanded royal fathers at the gathering to stand up (and after complying), were ordered to sit down. It was as though 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.’
“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 rubbish 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.”
The group also used the medium to call on government actions against insecurity in the nation as well as the support of the people for the Tinubu administration.
Glamour Adah
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