Oyo PDP Chieftain, Dare Adeleke has reacted to ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo’s action instructing Oyo Monarchs to stand up at a recent event.
Adeleke says the ex-president was in order as there is no smoke without a fire.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the former Oyo Pacesetters Transport boss accused the Obas of being disrespectful to constituted authority.
The statement reads:
“As they say, there is no smoke without fire and if I must use another cliche, they say, Respect begets Respect.
Former President Olusegun Obsanjo’s reaction to Oyo royal fathers’ disdain for constituted authority must be commended by all Nigerians.
Royal Fathers are appointed by their people as tradition demands and their role includes giving wise counsel to their clans and unifying the land rather than separating it either for selfish reasons or person gain.
Royal Fathers are expected to be neutral working with the government of the day to ensure peace and harmony but what we have now are fathers who dabble into politics and make clear inflammatory statements.
It is highly unacceptable in a country crying for peace, for a royal father or royal fathers’ to be fanning the embers of discord.
Ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo was very correct when he asked them to stand up for the governor of the state, Governor Seyi Makinde. The ex-president had noticed the clear breach of protocol exhibited by the traditional rulers at the event.
As he has said in his interview, the laws of the land transcends their traditional titles. Protocol demands that everyone stands in respect of the governor who represents the state when he goes into a venue. Oyo Royal Fathers disrespectfully remained in their seats as noted by Ex president Olusegun Obasanjo. It is highly condemnable to show such contempt for constituted authority.
It has become a practice for them to be unruly and to remain seated while Governor of Oyo State walks into a venue. That was not the first of such truancy.
Governor H.E Seyi Makinde, is humble and respectful but his humility should not be taken for foolishness. The gentility a tiger displays does not imply that it is timid nor that it’s tail can be toyed with.
The sad fact is that Oyo Monarchs in question have abandoned their roles as Royal fathers’ and shamefully embraced division giving and granting all kinds of interviews which are capable of inciting the public.
Why would the Olugbon of Orile – Igbon for example, grant an interview that would shame his ancestors? In that interview, he implied that Olusegun Obasanjo may be an Igbo man because he has sympathy for Igbos and rubbished another statesman who has served Nigeria diligently, Chief Bode George. What manner of banality is that? What exactly has the Olu of Orile – Igbon contributed to Nigeria as a nation that gives him the right to degrade men who have stood for our country where it mattered?
I believe that henceforth, Oyo Monarchs should be guided in their behaviours and utterances. They should forge for peace and unity among our people and realize that respect is reciprocal. They should understand that their positions are also subject to the governor’s magnanimity. A word is enough for the wise, they say.
I learnt that they are preparing to reply Obasanjo. I’m waiting for their replies.
Dare Adeleke
19/9/23
