On September 15th in Iseyin, Oyo State, former President Olusegun Obasanjo publicly scolded traditional rulers and directed them to “stand and sit. ” This action has caused significant outrage among the Yoruba community, with many individuals accusing the former president of showing disrespect towards their cultural traditions and the traditional institution. Afenifere, a socio-political organization representing the Yoruba people, has expressed its objections to Obasanjo regarding this incident.
During their monthly meeting at Reuben Fasoranti’s house in Akure, Ondo State, Afenifere released a statement on Wednesday criticizing Mr. Obasanjo’s behavior and requesting that he apologize to traditional rulers. However, in a Newslodge report, Mr. Obasanjo clarified that he had scolded the Obas for disrespecting the state governor, Seyi Makinde, during the event.
In the statement made available to journalists by his spokesperson, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere expressed his dismay over the matter.
The statement read in part: “Afenifere was baffled by the avoidable and unjustified incident that took place in Iseyin, Oyo State, on Friday, September 15, 2023, where former President Olusegun Obasanjo directed the royal parents at the meeting to stand up (and after complying), they were ordered to sit down. It was as if a military commander was giving orders to his troops.
“We, the Yoruba, respect our traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which is our traditional rulers, who, traditionally and spiritually, have acquired the status of deities. No wonder they are called ‘Igbakeji Orisa’! (second in command after the gods).
“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.
“Therefore, no effort should be spared to prevent the destruction of our noble tradition. In that sense, it is recommended that royal parents save themselves the trouble of appearing at public functions such as those obtained in the United Kingdom, among others.”
The group also called on the federal government and security agencies to be more decisive and proactive in the fight against insecurity in the country.