By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has given reasons why he asked the traditional rulers to stand up and greet the state governor, Seyi Makinde when he mounted the podium during his visit to Oyo State last week Friday.
Obasanjo, a former military head of state, was invited by the state governor to commission some completed road projects in Iseyin.
When he was called to give his address, Obasanjo asked the traditional rulers to rise and greet the governor.
His action elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians condemning him for what he did.
Also, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, tackled the former president and described the action as a desecration of Yoruba traditional institution.
Weighing in on the matter, Obasanjo while responding to his critics said the monarchs showed utter disrespect to the state governor.
He said, “I arrived at the event venue with the governor,” and explained that he came from South Africa where he attended the burial of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who died on 9 September at 95.
He further stated that, “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 the 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.”
