The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has demanded an unreserved public apology from former President Olusegun Obasanjo for disrespecting traditional rulers in Oyo State.

Afenifere made the demand in a communique issued after meeting in Akure, Ondo State.

The group said that Obasanjo’s action at Iseyin, Oyo State, on Friday, September 15, 2023, where he commanded royal fathers at the gathering to stand up and were ordered to sit down, was an affront to Yoruba culture and tradition.

“We Yorubas respect our traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which, are our traditional rulers, who, traditionally and spiritually, have acquired the status of deities. It’s not surprising that they are referred to as ‘Igbakeji Oris,” the statement read

“In view of the attempt to ridicule the respected obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby demands an unreserved public apology to obas from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Our tradition describes who we are. As such, no effort must be spared to prevent the rubbishing of our noble tradition.

“In that wise, it’s hereby recommended that royal fathers are spared the trouble to stand up at public functions as obtained in the United Kingdom among others.”

The group also urged Nigerians to support the Bola Tinubu administration in its bid to reposition the country.

Afenifere commended the verdict of the Presidential Elections Panel Tribunal’s verdict, which affirmed President Tinubu’s victory during the February 25 election.

To Afenifere, President Tinubu needs the support of Nigerians in his bid to rejig the economy.

The group, however, called for new strategies to stabilize the Naira, reduce insecurity, provide employment for youths, and engage labor leaders over the removal of fuel subsidy.