Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during a visit to Oyo State, took a moment to address the local monarchs, expressing his expectation that they should demonstrate respect by standing when Governor Seyi Makinde entered the room.
As he spoke to them in Yoruba, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of upholding traditional values, specifically the Omoluabi ethos, which entails showing reverence to elders and those in positions of authority.
Obasanjo’s presence in Oyo State was in connection with the inauguration of two significant projects: the 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road and the completed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Iseyin Campus.
This campus now houses the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, marking a notable achievement for the region’s educational and infrastructural development.
According to him, while he was president, monarchs prostrated before him privately.
He said, “I greet the kings and chiefs here sitting; I am grateful that you are here. Let me say this: wherever the president or governor is, the kings present must stand up to honour him.
“In Yoruba land, there are two things that are most respected among others: age and position. When a governor is still in power, he’s more powerful than any king.
“Even when I was president, I prostrated for kings outside, and when we went inside, the kings would prostrate for me. So, let’s always celebrate our culture.”
