Afenifere, a prominent pan-Yoruba sociopolitical movement, has called for former President Olusegun Obasanjo to issue an apology to the traditional rulers of Oke-Ogun.
This request stems from an incident that occurred two weeks ago when Obasanjo visited Iseyin, which generated significant outrage within the Yoruba community.
Many individuals viewed the former president’s actions as disrespectful toward the region’s traditional institutions and culture.
Afenifere, addressing this matter for the first time, released a statement following its monthly meeting in Akure, Ondo State, at the residence of its retired leader, Reuben Fasoranti. The association criticized Obasanjo’s behavior and formally requested that he apologize to the traditional rulers.
During his visit to Iseyin in September, Obasanjo accompanied Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to a road project launch event. At the event, he chastised the monarchs for not rising when the governor arrived, stating that they had humiliated the governor.
After reprimanding them and instructing them to stand, he later requested that they take their seats.
“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.’
“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 rubbish 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.”
The group also used the medium to call on government actions against insecurity in the nation as well as the support of the people for the Tinubu administration.