Soyinka, Obasanjo Clash Over Respect for Oyo Monarchs

Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has mocked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his rude behaviour towards some traditional rulers at an event in Iseyin, Oyo state.

The event, which took place on September 18, 2023, was the inauguration of the Iseyin Campus of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

Recall that Obasanjo scolded the monarchs for not standing up to greet him and Governor Seyi Makinde when they were invited to the podium.

However, Obasanjo’s action was seen as a sign of disrespect and an insult to the Yoruba culture, which values the dignity and honour of traditional institutions.

One of the prominent voices that condemned Obasanjo’s action was Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, who is known for his outspokenness and literary prowess.

In a recent video shared by Vanguard, Soyinka sarcastically told some monarchs at an event that he was not there to bark at them to stand up and sit down, which elicited laughter from the audience.

Soyinka’s remark was a subtle jab at Obasanjo, whom he has had a long-standing feud with over various political and personal issues.

Another perspective on Obasanjo’s action was offered by Dr. Fidelis Enang Egbe, the vice president (Southwest) of the Historical Society of Nigeria.

In an interview with Daily Sun, Egbe argued that Obasanjo’s action reflected the negative impact of colonialism on the status and role of traditional rulers in Nigeria.

He explained that before colonialism, traditional rulers were revered and regarded as supreme authorities in their domains.

However, after colonialism, the president and governors were placed above the traditional rulers by the colonial masters. Egbe stated that Obasanjo might have been right to point out that the monarchs should stand up for the governor, but he should not have humiliated them publicly.

Obasanjo’s action has sparked a lot of reactions from Nigerians on social media, who have expressed their displeasure and disappointment with his attitude.

Some have called him arrogant, rude, and power-drunk, while others have made jokes and memes about his behaviour. Obasanjo has not yet responded to the backlash or apologized to the monarchs for his action.