A former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has out rightly condemned the supremacy feud among Yoruba monarchs.
The former president noted this when the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji visited him on Thursday at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
Obasanjo described the supremacy rivalry which recently set two highly placed Yoruba monarchs against one another as “a distraction, which could result in a setback.”
He added that instead of the supremacy fight, the monarchs should instead be concerned chiefly with the welfare of their subjects.
Obasanjo added that: I think that what is more important is to give good governance to the citizens and have mutual respect for ourselves.
“When I was President and even now, I usually accord respect to all Presidents, particularly to the ones with small population.
“I do this because I realised that no matter how densely populated.a country might be, it has the same one vote at the United Nations just as a country with a few people.
“For instance, Nigeria with a population of about 180 million, has the same vote with Sao Tome with a population of 150,000.”
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo also commended the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi adding that he took the right step during the process leading up to the coronation of the Olubadan.
He also admonished monarchs to be trustworthy and ensure that justice without fear or favour was practiced.
“Though all mankind are difficult to govern; I also know, from experience, that the people of Egba and Ibadan particularly are not easy to govern.
“I pray that God, who puts you there, will help you to succeed.
“What is most important to any leader, be it traditional, political or religious, is for him to be trustworthy.
“Nobody is perfect, but once you are queried over some issues and you are able to defend yourself well, you can then leave the rest to God.” He added.