Yoruba socio-political organisation in Nigeria, Afenifere, has lashed out at former President Olusegun Obasanjo for disrespecting traditional rulers in Oyo State by ordering them to stand up at a public function.
Earlier in September, Obasanjo had asked monarchs who attended a road inauguration in Iseyin, Oyo State, to stand up and sit down when he and the Governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, arrived at the venue of the inauguration.
In a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, Afenifere condemned Obasanjo’s conduct and demanded an apology from ex-president to the monarchs.
The communique was read by the Publicity Secretary of the association, Jare Ajayi, at the residence of the Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure.
Afenifere expressed displeasure that Obasanjo treated the monarchs like soilders receiving command from their superior. They described his actions as “unwarranted”.
“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), they were ordered to sit down. It was as though a military commander was giving orders to his troops,” Afenifere said.
The group emphasised that traditional rules should be recognized and respected as the second in command to the gods and are to be treated as such.
“We, Yoruba, respect our traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which is 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 group mandated Obasanjo to apologize publicly to the monarchs, insisting that tradition dictates “who we are”. Afenifere further stated that no effort will be spared to prevent other persons from embarrassing Traditional rulers. They recommended that monarchs need not be instructed to stand at public functions as it obtains in the United Kingdom and in other countries of the world.
“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,” the group demanded.
“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.”
On insecurity and banditry, Afenifere called on the Federal Government and security agencies in the country to be more decisive and proactive in tackling the security issues in the country.They tasked the government to ensure youths are duly employed to ensure they do not have time to engage in social vices.
“Deliberate efforts should be made to get the youths gainfully engaged so as to make them unavailable for anti-social and inhuman activities.
They also called the government to issue stringent measures and ensure that perpetrators of terrorism and banditry in the country are punished accordingly.
“Cases of banditry and terrorism be discharged expeditiously. Perpetrators of banditry should be made to pay heavy prices,” Afenifere stated.
