The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has disclosed that its silence on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged verbal attack on its members should not be taken as an act of cowardice.
The Council, in a statement by its Deputy Chairman and Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao stated that at the appropriate time, necessary steps would be taken.
It assured the stakeholders that verbal attacks of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on traditional rulers will be tabled for discussion whenever it convenes and necessary action will be taken.
The former president had in a statement issued by his media aide Kehinde Akinyemi, on Monday, said his order, asking traditional rulers to stand and sit at a state function in Iseyin.
But the Council said contrary to the belief of the former President, it holds Governor Seyi Makinde in high esteem.
The Council which described the incident as internal affairs assured the stakeholders that when next the Council convenes the matter will be properly reviewed.
The statement read, ‘The outburst of former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo against traditional rulers in attendance at the inauguration of the Iseyin Campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) on Friday, September 15 has generated anger and varied responses from true sons and daughters of Oduduwa in all sections of the society.
“First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that the inauguration ceremony was a huge success while the road and campus projects represent another milestone in the development strides of Governor Seyi Makinde who has been working hard to take Oyo State to the next level of development.
“All the royal fathers involved understand the pain caused by the incident and appreciate the well-placed reactions.
“I wish to state that the incident is an internal affair which will be properly reviewed at the next meeting of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“Let me assure all Yoruba, and other well-meaning Nigerians who have respect for the traditional institution, and who feel concerned about the incident that our silence since Friday is not an act of cowardice. When we sit down with the Governor and hold our next meeting, we will review and respond appropriately.
“Our Governor respects us, and traditional rulers in Oyo State also hold him in high esteem.
“I, therefore, sue for calm over this issue. We want everybody to apply decorum in line with the Omoluwabi ethos for which Yoruba are greatly respected. Ile Yoruba land shall remain peaceful. Our unity is sacrosanct. These ethos must reflect in our day-to-day activities.
“Let it, however, be well noted that traditional rulers in Oyo State have no regret in supporting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in the last election, and will be willing to support them even in the future.
This is the clear position of monarchs in Oyo State. Any other information from anywhere that is contrary to this should be disregarded”
