Agroup, Ebedi Frontliners, Iseyin (EFI), has called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo to apologize to traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun over his outburst on Friday during the commissioning of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)’s College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin.
EFI stated that the outburst was unwarranted and unexpected from a Yoruba elder and traditional title holder like Obasanjo, claiming it has caused global disrepute to the images of the monarchs and affected their collective psyche.
Obasanjo tongue-lashed the traditional rulers from Oke-Ogun, Ibadan, Oyo and Ibarapa who graced the occasion, over what he termed disrespect to ‘constituted authorities’, because they failed to stand up when he and Governor Makinde mounted the rostrum for their addresses.
A statement by EFI Vice-President, Bambi Abiodun and its Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Segun Fasasi said Obasanjo should apologise to the monarchs or never step on Oke-Ogun again, saying the former President added no value to the region in his eight years in office as President.
The statement reads, “We on behalf of true Yoruba sons and daughters, are using this medium to call upon the former President of Nigeria to immediately apologize to monarchs from Oke-Ogun zone for his undeserved remarks over his claim that they failed to stand up when the governor and himself climbed the podium at yesterday’s commissioning of the LAUTECH’s College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin.”
“We understand that upon the arrival of the former President and the Governor to the event, all the people rose as a sign of respect to the duo and did same when they climbed the rostrum to make their speeches, what made Chief Obasanjo barked orders at our monarchs to ‘stand up and sit down’ like a school headmaster to primary school pupils.”
“We want it to be on record that with this action of the elderly politician and supposed statesman, we expect his apology soonest and if he fails to do so, we will want him to know that he is not welcome to step in any of the Oke-Ogun communities.”
EFI said the former President dampened the joy of all Iseyin residents who trooped out to welcome the Governor for his good gesture over the development of the community and Oke-Ogun in general..
The group claimed Obasanjo’s reign as a former President in eight years did not benefit the region or the Southwest as the Ibadan-Ogbomoso-Ilorin road he initiated is still under construction till date.