The Oluwo of Iwo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has strongly criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s conduct towards traditional rulers in Oyo State, describing it as a blatant violation of the sanctity of the Yoruba traditional institution. He asserted that such an action would not be taken against emirs….CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a viral video, Obasanjo can be seen instructing some Yoruba traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand up and pay their respects to him, admonishing them that wherever a governor or president is seated, traditional rulers should show them deference.
However, Oluwo, in a statement issued to the media in Osogbo on Saturday by his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, placed the blame on the traditional rulers who complied with Obasanjo’s directive.
The monarch argued that Obasanjo should have displayed respect when dealing with traditional rulers, emphasizing that monarchs are representatives of God on earth. He stated firmly that such an incident would not have occurred if he were present.
Oluwo’s statement read, “I have confidence in myself and my position. Even in death, there are certain actions my spirit will not condone, especially while I am alive and active.
“My disappointment lies primarily with the traditional rulers who complied with such a dishonorable act and the desecration of our revered traditional institutions by the elder statesman. Respect is something that should be earned, not demanded.
“Traditional rulers also deserve respect from their subjects. There is a specific manner in which respect is accorded to elderly individuals and those in positions of authority by monarchs. Kingship is a divine institution, and therefore, interacting with kings demands a high degree of humility, courtesy, and respect.
“The behavior exhibited by former President Obasanjo was an affront and a deliberate desecration and violation of the esteemed thrones of Yorubaland.
“An affront to one is an affront to all. Yoruba traditional rulers are not subservient individuals who can be commanded at will by just anyone. I do not blame him; rather, I hold accountable those royal fathers who stood up to obey such an embarrassing directive.
“I am confident that such an incident would never occur in my presence or in the presence of certain monarchs whom I shall not name. ‘Iwo kogba igbakugba’ (Iwo does not compromise its dignity).
“Former General Obasanjo’s actions are reprehensible. Yoruba traditional institutions demand an apology for the open desecration, humiliation, and assault on the institution.
“He needs to demonstrate his commitment as a true Yoruba by issuing an apology. Kings are not to be trifled with; we are fathers. He would never dare to act similarly towards the northern emirs.
“This incident should serve as a significant challenge to the Yoruba people, especially our traditional rulers. This is what happens when monarchs become affiliated with secret societies where they may be influenced or controlled by teachers or even herbalists, losing their inherent dignity as responsible monarchs.”
