Oyo Monarchs: Apologise For Your Actions, Afenifere Tells Obasanjo

The former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has been condemned by the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere for ordering some monarchs in Yoruba land to stand up and sit down during an occasion.

Osun Defender reports that Obasanjo had some weeks ago asked the monarchs, who attended a road inauguration, in Iseyin, Oyo State, to stand up and sit down in recognition of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Afenifere asked the former president to tender an unreserved apology to the monarchs.

The demand was part of the resolution of the association contained in a communique issued at the end of its monthly meeting, held at the residence of the National Leader of the group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State capital on Wednesday.

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.”

• Kazeem Badmus