The Pan-Yoruba Socio-Cultural Organisation, Afenifere has asked former President Olusegun Obasanjo to publicly tender apology to Yoruba traditional rulers for ordering them to sit and stand up at a function.
Obasanjo had on 15 September ordered traditional rulers at a function in Oyo State to stand up and sit down like school children.
The communique was read by the Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr Jare Ajayi.
Afenifere, in a communique after its meeting at the house of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Ondo State, said it was taken aback by the avoidable and unwarranted incident that took place at Iseyin, Oyo State on Friday, September 15, 2023, where Obasanjo commanded Royal Fathers at the gathering to stand up (and after complying), were ordered to sit down.
The body said it was as though a military commander was giving orders to his troops.
Afenifere said the Yoruba people respect their 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.”
The body said no effort must be spared to prevent the rubbishing of the Yoruba noble tradition and that in that wise, it is recommended that royal fathers are spared the trouble to stand up at public functions as obtained in the United Kingdom, among others.
credit: PM News
