In a recent viral video, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was seen commanding traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand up and greet the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, at an event in Iseyin.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting held at the Akure residence of the national leader of the Afenifere socio-political group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the group emphasized the immense respect that the Yoruba people hold for their traditional institutions, with traditional rulers being seen as the cornerstone of these institutions.
The communiqué, written by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, emphasized that Obasanjo’s actions undermine the traditional institutions that the Yoruba people have long cherished. The communiqué added that a public apology is necessary to restore the honor and dignity of the traditional rulers who were subjected to such treatment.
The Afenifere socio-political group has also stated that the Yoruba language should be made compulsory for pupils and students as a way of preserving the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The group said: “To ensure the survival of Yoruba as the most important element of Yoruba culture, Yoruba should be the medium of instruction from Primary One to Three.
“Thereafter, it should become a compulsory subject for every pupil in primary school and every student in secondary school. It must be offered as one of the compulsory subjects in the school certificate examinations.”
The group also expressed concern about the insecurity and banditry in the country and urged the Federal Government to take decisive action.
The communique also reads: “On insecurity and banditry, the meeting called on the Federal Government and security agencies to be more decisive and more pro-active. Four approaches are hereby recommended for immediate consideration and action.
“Immediate deployment of anti-terrorism devices and proper motivation of security personnel; immediate engagement of local leaders in areas where insecurity is rife. Reports have it that leaders in those areas are somehow complicit in how bandits succeed in their nefarious activities.”