The Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, in Ekiti South West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Ajibade Alabi, has criticised the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, over his remarks against traditional institutions in the South West region.
Obasanjo, in one of his newly released books, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled last week, lamented the selection processes of traditional rulers in the country, claiming that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers have infiltrated royal institutions.
He said, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.”
However, Oba Alabi, in an interview with Tribune Online on Monday, described the statement from the former president as disappointing and uncalled for, adding that traditional institutions should be respected, especially by someone of Obasanjo’s status.
He accused Obasanjo of generalisation in his submission in the book, noting that he should be willing to mention the names of the affected monarchs he was describing as criminals and drug addicts, rather than making sweeping statements.
According to the former chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, most traditional rulers, including himself, had successful careers in various fields before ascending the thrones of their forefathers.
He called on the former president to tender a public apology to the traditional institution over his remarks if he could not name the criminal monarchs.
Oba Alabi said, “Obasanjo should be more circumspect in his utterances as a former president of Nigeria and elder statesman; he is guilty of overgeneralisation. I don’t know the Obas in that category of those he described. It is most disappointing, to say the least.
“Some of us (traditional rulers) had careers before ascending the throne. I was a diplomat serving Nigeria for several years in foreign countries before I became an Oba, and others are successful career men, like professors, lawyers, lecturers, engineers, medical doctors, and the rest.
“How can you say some Obas are criminals, kidnappers, and drug addicts? I think Obasanjo will do well by mentioning those Obas he has in mind. He should name those Obas for the public to know; otherwise, he should tender an unreserved apology. If he cannot name them, he should apologise without delay.
“You can’t just talk anyhow, and it is most disappointing coming from someone of Obasanjo’s status.”
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