By Becky Usaman

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo may not issue an apology to the Oyo State monarchs following an incident where he directed them to stand up during the inauguration of the Oyo–Iseyin Road project, according to a former adviser, Abimbola. During the event, Obasanjo expressed his displeasure that the monarchs did not rise to greet the governor, Seyi Makinde. He ordered them to stand, and after they did, he ordered them to sit again.

Several reactions followed this incident, with groups like the Council of Yoruba Elders, Yoruba Council Worldwide, the Oluwo of Iwo, and the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, expressing their displeasure and demanding an apology from Obasanjo. Yoruba Council Worldwide even threatened legal action if an apology was not issued.

Abimbola, in an interview, highlighted Obasanjo’s military background and noted that while the action may have seemed bold to some, it was a reflection of his military upbringing. He suggested that the matter could have been handled privately, with Obasanjo discussing the issue with the governor and the monarchs after the ceremony.

Abimbola also emphasized the importance of showing respect to leaders in a republic like Nigeria, stating that it is customary to stand up for the governor unless a person is physically unable to do so. However, he indicated that he does not believe Obasanjo will issue an apology, given the former president’s strong-willed nature and the fact that what he said was not necessarily incorrect, but rather the manner in which he said it.

In conclusion, Abimbola suggested that while an apology may not be forthcoming, the incident could have been handled with more tact and diplomacy.