Obasanjo asked a few traditional leaders to rise up and greet him on September 15.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been tasked with apologising to the Oyo traditional rulers by the Yoruba sociocultural organisation Afenifere.
On September 15, during the commissioning of a road project in Oyo State, Obasanjo asked a few traditional leaders to come up and greet him.
Many Nigerians have criticised the former President for his actions, accusing him of mocking the country’s traditional institution.
Obasanjo orders Oyo traditional rulers to honour the governor in “Stand Up”
Afenifere said in a statement on Wednesday that Obasanjo’s behaviour was alarming and that he behaved like a military leader giving commands to his troops.
“We Yoruba respect our traditional institutions, which are spearheaded by our traditional rulers, who historically and figuratively have attained the rank of deities. The statement made by Afenifere’s spokesperson, Mr. Jare Ajayi, said, “It is not unexpected that they are referred to as ‘Igbakeji Orisa’ (second in command to the gods).
“In light of the attempt to denigrate the revered Obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby requests that former President Olusegun Obasanjo issue an unequivocal public apology to the Obas. Our culture encapsulates who we are.
“As a result, every effort must be made to keep our noble tradition from being defiled. In that regard, it is hereby advised that royal fathers be spared the burden of standing up at public events, as is the case in the UK, among other countries.
The organisation also criticised the nation’s state of insecurity and urged the Federal Government and security organisations to take more decisive and proactive action.
“Deliberate efforts should be made to engage youngsters in profitable occupations so that they are not available for immoral and anti-social behaviour.
Banditry and terrorist cases must be resolved quickly. Banditry offenders should be punished severely, according to Afenifere.
