Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is under fire following his public reprimand of traditional rulers during an event in Oyo state last Friday. The incident, which saw Obasanjo demand the rulers to “stand and sit,” has drawn criticism from numerous quarters, questioning his respect for the revered institutions.
According to a report by Vanguard, Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation, criticized the former president’s behavior on his platform.
“It deeply troubles me to see the once-respected Obasanjo, who in his tenure as a president, showed reverence to our traditional rulers, now seemingly disregard their stature,” stated Fani-Kayode. “There was a time when he would bow and even kneel before these monarchs. Yet, today, he addresses them as though they are beneath him.”
The Oyo event incident has sparked conversations online and reignited debates about respect for traditional authority in modern Nigeria. Many view Obasanjo’s behaviour as an insult to the Yoruba people and degrading their cherished customs.
Fani-Kayode, known for his candid opinions, didn’t hold back. “This incident isn’t just about the rulers he addressed but an insult to all Yoruba people and our deeply-rooted values. I have immense respect for Baba OBJ, having served under his administration, and thus, it pains me to critique him. Yet, recent events, particularly his endorsement of Peter Obi in the last presidential election, raises eyebrows.”
Obasanjo’s association with Peter Obi, whom Fani-Kayode labeled a “deceitful” and “dishonest” man, further deepens the former president’s image crisis. “It’s bewildering,” Fani-Kayode noted, “to see someone who championed a united Nigeria supporting someone like Peter Obi.”
Recalling a recent gathering in Awka, where some Igbo leaders allegedly termed the Yoruba race as “political rascals,” Fani-Kayode pointed out Obasanjo’s silence at the event. “And now, we see this audacity in Oyo state where he directed our revered rulers as though directing a play. Such actions are unbefitting, and I urge Baba to uphold the dignity many believe he still possesses.”
The incident with the Oyo traditional rulers and the following reactions underscore the tension between modern political dynamics and age-old conventional values. As the story unravels, many Nigerians await to see if the former president will address the matter, offering clarity or an apology.
