Afenifere Demands Apology From Obasanjo

Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization, has charged former President Olusegun Obasanjo with disrespecting traditional leaders in Oyo State after he instructed them to stand up and greet him when he arrived at an event.

Recall that two weeks ago, when he and Governor Seyi Makinde had arrived at the location of the event of a road inauguration in Iseyin, Oyo State, Obasanjo demanded the monarchs in attendance to stand up and sit down.

Afenifere denounced Obasanjo’s behavior in a statement released at the conclusion of its meeting on September 27 in Akure, Ondo State, and requested that the former president apologizes to the monarchs.

The statement was read aloud by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, at the Akure home of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

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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), they were ordered to sit down. It was as though a military commander was giving orders to his troops.

“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.

“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.”