‘Why I Ordered Oyo Obas To Stand Up’ – Obasanjo Responds To Apology Order

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to the controversy surrounding his order for traditional rulers to stand and then sit during the inauguration of two projects in Iseyin, Oyo State. Here are the key points:

VerseNews reported that Obasanjo attended the inauguration of road projects in Iseyin, Oyo State, as a special guest of honor, alongside Governor Seyi Makinde.

A video of Obasanjo ordering traditional rulers to stand and sit during the event went viral, sparking criticism from Yoruba groups, monarchs, and others who accused him of disrespecting the traditional institution.

Taiwo, one of Obasanjo’s former wives, issued a statement apologizing to the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and appealed for forgiveness on behalf of her ex-husband.

In an exclusive interview with Premium Times witnessed by VerseNews, Obasanjo defended his actions, explaining that he ordered the traditional rulers to stand because they had refused to do so when he and Governor Makinde arrived at the event.

Obasanjo considered the refusal of the traditional rulers to stand as a sign of disrespect for Governor Makinde and a breach of protocol.

The monarchs also did not stand when Governor Makinde went up to the podium to deliver his address.

Obasanjo expressed his surprise at the traditional rulers’ behavior and noted that it was not in line with Yoruba culture to disrespect authorities.

He emphasized the importance of respecting the governor, as he is the leader of the state according to the constitution, and protocols must be observed.

Obasanjo’s intention in addressing the traditional rulers in the manner he did was to make them realize that respect is a fundamental part of Yoruba culture, and they should extend that respect to the governor if they expect to receive it in return.

“I arrived the event venue with the governor,” the former president said from South Africa where he was attending the burial of politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who died on 9 September at 95.

“As we arrived, every other person at the venue rose, but they (the monarchs) remained seated. I was surprised because I considered that a breach of protocol and disrespect for the governor.

“It later became the turn of the governor to speak. As he rose, every other person at the venue, including me, stood up as demanded by protocol and in respect for the governor and his office. Again, the Obas refused to rise. They all remained seated.

“I then asked people around whether that was the practice in Oyo State. I was told the Obas have always displayed disrespect for their governor. I wondered where they got that from and then decided to speak to them about it.

“As far as I am concerned, there is constitution and there is culture. By our constitution, the governor is the leader of a state. Everyone must respect him no matter his or her status or age. He deserves respect no matter how young he is and protocols must be observed.

“That was why I spoke to them the way I did. I wanted them to realise that it is not part of Yoruba culture to disrespect authorities. Respect begets respect and they must learn to deal with their governor with respect if they want to be respected in return.

“I respect traditional rulers and even when I was President and till today, I treat them with reverence. I prostrate, bow and knee before them as necessary.

“I respect our culture. But let us also know that there is a Constitution which puts a chairman as head of a local government, a governor as head of a state and a president as head of our country. Whatever we do must be in respect for that arrangement. I am saying there is culture and there is constitution. One must not disturb the other.”