The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has strongly condemned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s actions during a project inauguration in Iseyin, Oyo State.

Obasanjo had ordered traditional rulers to stand and greet Governor Seyi Makinde, which the YCW deemed sacrilegious and disrespectful to Yoruba culture.

Obasanjo’s comments, captured in a video where he expressed displeasure with the monarchs for not rising to greet the governor, were described as a significant affront to Yoruba traditions by the YCW. They have demanded that Obasanjo apologize for his actions or face both traditional and legal consequences.

Oba Oladotun Hassan, President of the YCW, expressed his concern during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ secretariat in Jabi, Abuja. He emphasized the importance of upholding the cultural values, customs, and traditions of Yoruba Obaship. The YCW called for Obasanjo to issue an apology within the next three days, or they would take legal action against him for defamation and scandalous libel. They also threatened to revoke any chieftaincy titles he had received from Yoruba monarchs.

Siyanbade Adekanmbi, the YCW Secretary General, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and call Obasanjo to order. Adekanmbi cited Tinubu’s recent demonstrations of respect towards traditional rulers during his visits to the Awujale of Ijebu land and Alake’s palace, as well as his prostration before kings and elders. He urged Tinubu to help preserve and protect Nigerian royal institutions and proposed the establishment of a National Council of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs to ensure the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders are recognized and supported by the Federal Government.