The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has called upon former President Olusegun Obasanjo to issue an apology to the monarchs of Oyo for what they perceive as a display of disrespect during a recent event.
In a statement released after a meeting of the Secretary-General and State Secretaries of the YCE in Ado-Ekiti, signed by Elder Niyi Ajibulu (YCE Publicity Secretary and Secretary of Ekiti Council of Elders) and Elder Oladipo Oyewole (YCE Secretary General), they condemned Obasanjo’s actions as a disgraceful violation of Yoruba tradition and culture.
The Elders expressed their disappointment in Obasanjo’s disregard for Yoruba cultural heritage, norms, tradition, and values, and they called for an apology and restitution from him. They also lamented the diminishing acceptance of the Yoruba language, culture, and civilization and announced their intention to promote the publication of a book titled ‘Yoruba Renaissance.’
In the group’s words, “The YCE strongly condemns the recent humiliation of various traditional rulers in Oyo State by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, based on his claim of status as a former Head of State. This misconduct constitutes a shameful affront to the dignity of Yoruba tradition and culture, and therefore, he should unequivocally apologize and make amends.”