AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs have indicated the plan to review their encounter with former President Olusegun Obasanjo against kings at the inauguration of the Iseyin Campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology on Friday, September 15, saying that the matter is an internal affair to be addressed at the next Council meeting.
Oba Francis Olushola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon who is the Deputy Chairman of the Council, in a statement dated September 18, made available journalists on Tuesday, said that the forum would respond appropriately after reviewing the matter.
The statement read that silence on the part of the monarchs did not suggest cowardice, adding that “The outburst of former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo against traditional rulers in attendance at the inauguration of the Iseyin Campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology on Friday September 15 has generated anger and varied responses from true sons and daughters of Oduduwa in all sections of the society.”
It read further, “First and foremost, I will like to emphasize that the inauguration ceremony was a huge success while the road and campus projects represent another milestone in the development strides of Governor Seyi Makinde who has been working hard to take Oyo State to the next level of development.
“All the royal fathers involved understand the pain caused by the incident and appreciate the well-placed reactions.
“I wish to state that the incident is an internal affair which will be properly reviewed at the next meeting of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“Let me assure all Yoruba, and other well-meaning Nigerians who have respect for the traditional institution, and who feel concerned about the incident that our silence since Friday is not an act of cowardice. When we sit down with the Governor, and hold our next meeting, we will review and respond appropriately.
“Our governor respects us, and traditional rulers in Oyo State also hold him in high esteem. I, therefore, sue for calm over this issue. We want everybody to apply decorum in line with the Omoluwabi ethos for which Yoruba are greatly respected. Yoruba land shall remain peaceful. Our unity is sacrosanct. These ethos must reflect in our day-to-day activities.
“Let it, however, be well noted that traditional rulers in Oyo State have no regret in supporting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in the last election, and will be willing to support them even in the future. This is the clear position of monarchs in Oyo State. Any other information from anywhere that is contrary to this should be disregarded.”
