The former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, was criticised by the pan-Yoruba socio-political movement Afenifere for forcing several kings in Yoruba region to stand up and sit down during an occasion.
A few weeks ago, as he and Governor Seyi Makinde entered the venue of the event, Obasanjo urged the monarchs present at a road opening in Iseyin, Oyo State, to stand up and seat down.
In order to accomplish this, the Afenifere requested that the former president provide an unqualified apology to the allegedly offended monarchs.
This was one of the decisions made by the association, which were included in a communique that was released following its monthly meeting on Wednesday.
The gathering took place in Pa Reuben Fasoranti’s mansion, the group’s national leader, in Akure, Ondo State.
The communique was read by the Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr Jare Ajayi.
The communique read in part, “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’! (Second in command to the god).
“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 rubbishing 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.”
