Former President Olusegun Obasanjo caused quite a stir at a public function in Iseyin, Oyo State yesterday as he reprimanded traditional rulers for remaining seated while the state governor, Seyi Makinde, was being introduced. The incident took place during the commissioning of the Iseyin Campus of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
As the special guest of honor, Obasanjo unveiled the commemorative plaque and officially inaugurated the project. Prior to this, he had also commissioned the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin Road project and visited the Fashola Farm and Estate along the same route.
To everyone's surprise, Obasanjo expressed disappointment at the behavior of the monarchs, who did not stand up to greet Governor Makinde, despite his prominent position. Speaking with the authority of an army general, Obasanjo emphasized that Yoruba culture holds both age and position in high regard. He emphasized that the position and authority of a governor or president should always be respected, regardless of the presence of traditional rulers.
Recalling his own experience as the President of the country, Obasanjo shared that he would prostrate himself before kings and monarchs in public, but they would also prostrate themselves when he entered the room. Drawing on this example, he underscored the importance of promoting and maintaining cultural values in Yorubaland.
In an effort to rectify the situation, Obasanjo promptly ordered the monarchs to stand up and then instructed them to sit down once more. He further emphasized the need to respect both age and position within Yoruba culture.
Among the monarchs present at the event were the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, and the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Oyebisi.
The incident served as a reminder of the significance of respecting authority and cultural traditions, even in formal public gatherings. Obasanjo's intervention highlighted the importance of upholding Yoruba values and fostering mutual respect between different positions of power.
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