Stand to Honour Governor, President, Obasanjo Tells Royal Fathers

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday advised some traditional rulers to always stand in honour of a governor and the president whenever they arrived at a meeting or ceremony.

The former President gave the advice at the inauguration of the 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road and the completed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Iseyin Campus, which houses the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.

Obasanjo, who spoke in Yoruba, said in Yoruba culture, age and status are respected, stating that when he was in government, he prostrated before traditional rulers in public, but that traditional rulers prostrated before him when they entered a room. 

“I greet the kings and chiefs here sitting; I am grateful that you are here. Let me say this: wherever the President or governor is, the kings present must stand up to honour him.

“In Yoruba land, there are two things that are most respected among others: age and position. When a governor is still in power, he’s more powerful than any king.

“Even when I was President, I prostrated for kings outside, and when we went inside, the kings would prostrate for me. So, let’s always celebrate our culture.”