Oluwo of Iwo Criticizes Obasanjo’s Order to Traditional Rulers
The Oluwo of Iwo in Osun State, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has expressed his disapproval of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent action in a video where he ordered traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand in respect for him.
Obasanjo reiterated the constitutional supremacy of elected officials when he issued this order during the commissioning of the 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Iseyin Campus.
Oba Akanbi, in response, voiced his concerns through his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem. He stated, “I only blame the monarchs who stood in obeisance to such an ignoble and desecrating act of traditional institutions by the old man.”
The Oluwo emphasized that respect should be earned, not demanded, and traditional rulers also respect their subjects. He stressed that relating to kings requires modesty, courtesy, and respect. He viewed Obasanjo’s display as an affront and desecration of revered Yoruba traditional stools.
He added, “Kings are not toddlers. We are fathers. He will never dare that against the Northern Emirs.”
The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, echoed similar sentiments on Facebook, emphasizing that denigrating traditional institutions is not in the best interest of the Yoruba land.
He stated, “OBASHIP TRADITION is no doubt the oldest surviving traditional Institution in Yoruba land. Denigrating or mudslinging it is not in the best interest of our land. Yes! Obas can be corrected. It’s best done behind the scenes. God bless our land.”