By Daniel Edu
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has strongly criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for ordering traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand and greet Governor Seyi Makinde during a project inauguration in Iseyin, Oyo State. Oba Akanbi described Obasanjo’s action as a desecration of Yoruba traditional stools.
A video of Obasanjo expressing his displeasure in the Yoruba language had circulated on the internet, where he scolded the monarchs for not rising to greet Governor Makinde, deeming their behavior disrespectful to the office of the governor.
In response, Oba Akanbi, through a statement from his Press Secretary, Alli Ibrahim, condemned Obasanjo’s behavior and demanded an apology from him. He emphasized that Yoruba monarchs should not be treated as uniform individuals who can be ordered around and pointed out that respect should be earned, not demanded.
The statement further read, “Traditional rulers respect their subjects too. There is a way respect is accorded to people of old age and position by monarchs. Kingship is an institution of God. As such, relating with kings requires a high sense of modesty, courtesy, and respect.
“The display by the former president of Nigeria, General Obasanjo, was an affront, an intentional desecration, and sacrilege against revered stools of Yorubaland. An injury to one is an injury to all. Yoruba traditional rulers are not uniform individuals anyone can command at will. I don’t blame him; those royal fathers who stood up to obey such an embarrassing directive are to be blamed.
“The show by the former general is condemnable. Yoruba traditional institutions demand an apology for the open desecration to molest and bring down the institution. He needs to prove himself as a core Yoruba man with an apology letter. Kings are not toddlers. We are fathers. He will never dare that against the Northern Emirs.”
Oba Akanbi’s statement reflects his strong stance on the importance of respecting traditional institutions and the need for courtesy and decorum in interactions with monarchs.
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