Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for allegedly undermining traditional institutions in Yoruba land.
While frowning at what it perceived as a disrespectful attitude towards monarchs by the former president at an event in Oyo State, the mainstream Yoruba group demanded an apology from Obasanjo, asking him to recognise and rectify the disrespectful manner he treated the royal fathers.
Obasanjo, in a viral video recently, was seen commanding traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand up and greet the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, at a function in Iseyin.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting held at the Akure residence of the national leader of the organisation, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the group emphasised the immense respect that the Yoruba people hold for their traditional institutions, with traditional rulers being seen as the cornerstone of the institutions.
The communiqué, which was signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, emphasised that such actions undermine the essence of the traditional institutions that have long been cherished by the Yoruba people, adding that a public apology is necessary to restore the honour and dignity of the traditional rulers, who were subjected to such treatment.
Afenifere also stated that Yoruba should be made compulsory for pupils and students as a way of preserving the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The group said: “In order to ensure the survival of Yoruba as the most important element of Yoruba culture, Yoruba should be the medium of instruction from Primary One to Three.
“Thereafter, it should become a compulsory subject for every pupil in primary school and for every student in secondary school. It must be offered as one of the compulsory subjects in the school certificate examinations.”
The organisation also lamented insecurity and banditry in the country and called on the Federal Government to take some decisive steps.
The communique also reads: “On insecurity and banditry, the meeting called on the Federal Government and security agencies to be more decisive and more pro-active. Four approaches are hereby recommended for immediate consideration and action.
“Immediate deployment of anti-terrorism devices and proper motivation of security personnel; immediate engagement of local leaders in areas where insecurity is rife. Reports have it that leaders in those areas are somehow complicit in how bandits succeed in their nefarious activities.”
It asked the former president to tender an unreserved apology to the purported insulted monarchs.
This was part of the resolutions of the association contained in a communique issued at the end of its monthly meeting, on Wednesday. The meeting was held at the residence of the National Leader of the group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State capital.
The communique was read by the Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr Jare Ajayi.
The communique read in part, “Afenifere was taken aback by the avoidable and unwarranted incident that took place at Iseyin, Oyo State on Friday, September 15, 2023, where former President Olusegun Obasanjo commanded Royal Fathers at the gathering to stand up (and after complying), were ordered to sit down. It was as though a military commander was giving orders to his troops.
“We Yorubas respect our traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which, are our traditional rulers, who, traditionally and spiritually, have acquired the status of deities. It’s not surprising that they are referred to as ‘Igbakeji Orisa’! (Second in command to the god).
“In view of the attempt to ridicule the respected Obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby demands an unreserved public apology to Obas from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Our tradition describes who we are.
“As such, no effort must be spared to prevent the rubbishing of our noble tradition. In that wise, it’s hereby recommended that royal fathers are spared the trouble to stand up at public functions as obtained in the United Kingdom among others.”
On insecurity and banditry, the Afenifere called on the Federal Government and security agencies in the country to be more decisive and more proactive in tackling insecurity in the country.
The group stated, “Four approaches are hereby recommended for immediate deployment of anti-terrorism devices and proper motivation of security personnel as well as immediate engagement of local leaders in areas where insecurity is rife.
“Deliberate efforts should be made to get the youths gainfully engaged so as to make them unavailable for anti-social and inhuman activities.
“Cases of banditry and terrorism be discharged expeditiously. Perpetrators of banditry should be made to pay heavy prices.”
The Guardian/ The Punch
