Reactions have trailed the trending photograph of Hon Sarafadeen Awotunde, Caretaker Chairman, Ifelodun Local Government and the Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter prostrating before Mrs Modupe Adeleke-Sanni, the elder sister to Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The photos had Awotunde, popularly known as ‘Spain’ prostrating before the Governor’s sister, believed to be a powerful force in the present administration in Osun State, at the Adeleke’s country home in Ede.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the ‘prostration’ incident happened when Awotunde led members of the ALGON executives to pay a ‘Thank You’ visit to the matriarch of the Adeleke dynasty.
The picture currently trending on Facebook sparked mixed reactions with some praising the act and acknowledging it as a mark of respect in the Yoruba culture, while others had criticised the act.
A Facebook user, Dhikhr’lahi Isiaq Ayeni, said: “I don’t think that matters. As an Omoluabi, prostrating to greet an elderly person shouldn’t be discouraged. Political influence can come from different places, if Yeye influenced his latest political success, prostrating to appreciate her is not a big deal.
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“Audu’s son did the same to appreciate the president. ADEMOLA ADELEKE did the same after he was declared the winner of governorship election last year. El-Rufai has done it severally for Bubu and even Atiku. There’s no issue here my brother. Don’t forget that in our political journey, God will use someone to help us. Spain just showed his omoluabi’s trait. God bless you my brother”
Another user, Mo Adey, “You praised late Audu’s son for doing the same thing on Monday o just 4days ago and you’re here castigating Spain for doing the same thing. Eyin Oloselu yii Sha ???”
Moses Blessing said, “This is just embarrassing.”
Adebayo Shittu in a comment stated that: “In Yorubaland , prostrations is a sign of respect to elders. Afojudi lo ma pa Iwo ati Dotun.”
Also, a freelancer and journalist, Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo wrote on his Facebook page in reaction to the photo: “State of Osun is only under a country with presidential system of government. In all honesty, we are running a parliamentary system of government.
“In parliamentary system, there are two heads of state namely; the prime Minister and the president. The prime minister is the head of government while the president is the head of ceremonies.
“In State of Osun, we have two governors. One is in charge of government while the other attends ceremonies. If you want to know who is in charge of government, go and look for the picture where the head of all local governments in Osun was prostrating. Who received the prostration? The person is in charge of government.”
