Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday slightly changed the tradition of the Yoruba people when he asked traditional rulers in Oyo state to stand up as a sign of respect for the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
In a video obtained by Videonaija, Obasanjo who spoke in Yoruba language explained that it was an honour to have the traditional rulers standing up to greet the governor.
He gave the order during the commissioning of Iseyin campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso.
Governor Seyi Mankide of Oyo state had earlier invited Obasanjo as a special guest of honour for the commissioning of some projects in the state.
But one of the embarrassing moments of the event was when the former President commanded all the traditional rulers who were at the event to stand up as a sign of respect.
Obasanjo while addressing the gathering said that two things are given respect in Yoruba land.
He said that age and position are given utmost priority.
According to him, the governor’s position is superior to that of any king.
“Please, please, all of you, the traditional rulers, I greet you, thank you for your presence. But, let me say something, anywhere there is a Governor or President, traditional rulers will have to stand up and greet the governor or the President.
“Stand up… sit down. Please in the Yoruba land, we respect two things: age and position. The governor’s position is superior to that of any king so long as he is a governor. When I was a president, I prostrated for kings openly. But indoors, the king would bow down for me. Let us respect our culture”.
Watch video here…