The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has expressed his disapproval of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent directive to traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand and greet Governor Seyi Makinde during a project inauguration in Iseyin, Oyo State. The monarch viewed Obasanjo’s actions as disrespectful to the traditional stools and institutions of the Yoruba people.
A short video clip of Obasanjo addressing the royal fathers in Yoruba language, where he expressed his displeasure with the monarchs for not rising to greet Governor Makinde, quickly circulated on the internet, sparking a significant response from various quarters.
In response to the incident, Oba Akanbi issued a statement through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibrahim, condemning the actions of the former president and demanding a formal letter of apology. The Oluwo emphasized that Yoruba traditional rulers should not be treated as uniform individuals who can be ordered around at will.
The statement conveyed Oba Akanbi’s strong belief in the dignity and sanctity of Yoruba traditional stools, emphasizing that respect should be earned and not demanded. He expressed his trust in himself and his royal office, stating that certain actions were beneath the dignity of traditional rulers.
Oba Akanbi also pointed out that traditional rulers respected their subjects, and there was a specific way respect was accorded to individuals of old age and high position by monarchs. He stressed that kingship was a divine institution and that relating with kings required a high sense of modesty, courtesy, and respect.
The Oluwo of Iwo deemed Obasanjo’s actions as affronts and intentional desecrations against the revered traditional institutions of Yorubaland. He called on the former president to prove himself as a true Yoruba man by issuing a formal apology letter, acknowledging the gravity of his actions.
Furthermore, Oba Akanbi expressed his disappointment with the royal fathers who responded to Obasanjo’s directive by standing, describing their actions as embarrassing and inconsiderate of the esteemed status of Yoruba traditional rulers.
In concluding his statement, the Oluwo of Iwo asserted that Yoruba kings were not to be commanded at will, emphasizing that they were fathers and deserved to be treated with the utmost respect. He also made a clear distinction between Yoruba traditional rulers and their counterparts in Northern Nigeria.
