Concerned Omo Yoruba Worldwide Association, has lambasted former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his alleged downgrading of some traditional rulers during the inauguration of the College of Agriculture and Renewable Energy of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), Iseyin, Oke ogun area of the Oyo State last Friday.
A statement by Akogun Tunde Omololu, the Leader, Concerned Omo Yoruba Worldwide and his acting secretary, Dr. David Bakin expressed disappointment over Obasanjo’s conduct against the traditional rulers.
The association said, “We address you today with deep concern and disappointment regarding the regrettable incident that transpired in Iseyin, Oyo State, on the 15th of September, 2023.
“This occurrence took place during the official road commissioning ceremony organized by the Oyo State Government, where Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was invited as the Chief Guest of Honor.
“However, the realization that it was a real event left us deeply disheartened. Obasanjo’s actions were profoundly beneath the dignity of our rich Yoruba culture and tradition; they constituted a grave violation and an affront to our cherished customs.
“It was an egregious display of arrogance and disrespect toward our revered Obas in Yorubaland. Our Obas hold a position of great significance, often referred to as the “Igbakeji Orisa” (next in line to the deities).
“Therefore, witnessing such disrespect towards our Obas, especially from a person of Obasanjo’s stature, whose Yoruba heritage is a subject of debate, is a source of immense shame and an insult to Yoruba culture and tradition.
“We wholeheartedly denounce Obasanjo’s reprehensible conduct and insist on a public apology to all the affronted Obas and, by extension, the entire Yoruba community. While we censure Obasanjo’s arrogance, we also express our disappointment in the Obas who attended the event and acquiesced to the commands of someone considered their junior.
“The Concerned Omo Yoruba remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the honor, heritage and dignity of the Yoruba race in every aspect.”
