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The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of showing disrespect towards traditional rulers in Oyo State. This criticism arises from his directive for them to stand up in greeting when he arrived at an event.
It is worth noting that two weeks prior, during a road inauguration in Iseyin, Oyo State, Obasanjo had instructed attending monarchs to rise and then sit down as he and Governor Seyi Makinde entered the event venue.
Afenifere expressed its strong disapproval of Obasanjo’s behavior in a communique released after its meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, September 27. The association demanded that the former president issue an apology to the monarchs for his actions.
Mr. Jare Ajayi, the Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, read the communique at the Akure residence of the organization’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
The communique stated, “Afenifere was deeply disappointed by the unnecessary and unjustified incident that occurred in Iseyin, Oyo State, on Friday, September 15, 2023, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo ordered the royal fathers at the gathering to stand up, and after complying, they were instructed to sit down. This incident resembled a military commander giving orders to his troops.”
“We, as Yoruba people, hold our traditional institutions in high regard, with our traditional rulers serving as their foremost representatives, who have traditionally and spiritually attained the status of deities. It is not surprising that they are often referred to as ‘Igbakeji Orisa.'”
“In light of the attempt to diminish the esteemed Obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby calls for an unreserved public apology from former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the Obas. Our traditions define our identity.”
“To prevent the degradation of our noble tradition, we recommend that royal fathers be spared the requirement to stand up at public functions, as is the practice in the United Kingdom and other places.”
