Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Lekan Balogun has spoken in the defence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo following the latter’s criticism of monarchs for failing to stand up to greet Governor Seyi Makinde at a public function last month.
Obasanjo had told them in Yoruba that in spite of their positions they ought to honour elderly persons and those in positions of authority in line with the ‘Omoluabi’ ethos.
The ex-President was in Oyo for the inauguration of a 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road and the completed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Iseyin Campus, which houses the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.
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A clip of the incident, which went viral, drew condemnation from many, who believed Obasanjo rubbished the Yoruba traditional institution.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday on the incident at his Alarere residence in Ibadan as part of activities marking his 81st birthday celebration, the Olubadan said he had known Obasanjo for a long time and he had always been a respecter of traditional institutions.
“Obasanjo is my brother and friend. We have been together for a long time. He is not disrespectful, as being alleged. He is a respecter of traditional stools. What happened on the said day when Obasanjo was barking out orders at members of the Council of Obas and Chiefs at a function in Iseyin is quite unfortunate. Both sides didn’t expect the way the media turned it to,” the king said.
