By Doris Israel Ijeoma
Pastor Akinrinlola Olumide, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has voiced his concerns over a recent incident involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Yoruba royal fathers.
In a widely circulated video, Obasanjo was seen ordering the royal fathers to stand up during a public event in Oyo State, admonishing them for not paying their respects to him and Governor Seyi Makinde.
Expressing his dismay over the incident, Akinrinlola remarked, “I watched the embarrassing viral video where former President Olusegun Obasanjo disrespected and insulted our royal fathers by ordering them to stand up while chastising them for not standing up to honor his presence and that of Governor Seyi Makinde at a public function in Oyo State, referencing his age and the governor’s position as a reason for dragging them.”
Pastor Akinrinlola went on to emphasize the sanctity of traditional thrones, stating that, “The thrones the Monarchs are occupying are the Royal thrones of their forefathers and ancestors. There is no throne in any part of Yoruba land and across the world that is not older than any government institution and human existence.”
He further clarified the cultural significance of these thrones, noting that, “Culturally, what we respect is the throne and not the age of the person occupying the throne. So, former President Obasanjo is wrong in his assertion. Being a governor or president does not make you older or bigger than the Royal fathers who are symbols of their communities.”
As a final appeal, Pastor Akinrinlola called for an apology from former President Obasanjo, stating, “I am a pastor and a child of God, but that should not blindfold us. We can’t continue to denigrate our Royal fathers in the name of political positions. Can Baba order the Oba of Benin to stand up for him like that? I repeat, it is an insult taken too far. Baba OBJ should please apologise to the entire Yoruba race”, he said.
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