Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday visited the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife to pay homage.
Obasanjo, who is 81 years old prostrated for the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who is 41.
Anyway, that’s what tradition demands in the Yoruba land.
Although this is not the first time, Nigerians with no chill must have something to say about it.
Recall that Obasanjo on February 5, 2016, had paid homage to the palace of the monarch in Ife.
In what might be considered a surprising move, OBJ prostrated to the Ooni of Ife.
His act drew gasps of surprise and applause as he prostrated to greet the Ooni.
It a cultural gesture but ‘notable.’
Well, again Nigerians are talking.
See some reactions from Twitter users:
Wale Gates @walegates:
Commotion as Obasanjo prostrates for Ooni of Ife
“Obasanjo prostrating for the Ooni of Ife. As it should be.
“OBJ…. at the football age of 81 Ooni … 41. Tradition > Home Training, Humility or Age.”
Kymkint @akintoye: “Even d biggest boy amongst them, Obj, always gives the guy every respect he deserves whenever they met.
“It isn’t abt age, it’s abt traditn.”
Hyke @ekesunvictor: “Nigerians and respect.
“So if you became an MD @ say 35, you’d let a HOD of 50 disrespect you @ work cos you have Home Training?”
DaddyMO @officialdaddymo: “The position of Ooni of Ife commands a certain level of respect that probably the current Ooni isn’t used to.
“No matter how young he is!!”
Wale Gates @walegates: “Even the father of the Ooni of ife said he’ll prostrate for his son The Ooni.
“It’s the Office, The Throne, age doesn’t count.
“He’s not allowed 2ve “home training” anymore, the moment he became King/Ooni he only respects Tradition & Culture.
“His age doesn’t count.
“The Ooni of Ife’s home training is speaking on his behalf.
“Dasall.”
DaddyMO: “It would only encourage or emboldened more people to disrespect him.
“There should be a kinda public apology for it.
“See as Ooni of Ife unlooked when he was disrespected.
“But if you question self-appointed twitter class captains now, we won’t hear word.”
Peaches And Cream: “Ok he was born on the 5th market day. Which one is football age?”
Sam Efe: “Whether it was a public show by Obj or not the fact is he followed Tradition.
“This is where “tradition” comes in? U fell for this nonsense?
“Na bow down argument dey reign for Naija now? We wanna be doing this in 2017?”
Wande: “Not at all, I’m saying people who keep using Respect & Humility as an excuse for the Ooni’s actions are mistakened.
“He respects no one.”
Wande @shheeuun: “Are you saying the Oba of Lagos should also prostrate to the Ooni?
“Note: I’m not saying the Oba should be rude oo.”
Meanwhile, wife of the Ooni, Queen Wuraola-Zynab Ogunwusi, has showered encomium on her husband.
Her Majesty took to her official Instagram page to praise her hubby.
Ooni of Ife VS Oba of Lagos: Epic reactions from Nigerians as some take sides
Here’s what she wrote:
“My husband, my soulmate, my mentor, my king, the people’s King; A King like no other.
“The Custodian of culture, the keeper of Yorubas across the world, and the voice and symbol of peace.
“When you recognize what and who you are, your vision becomes bigger than the daily struggles of the mundane.
“Even when you uphold that vision, you see beyond the physical and you envisage and work towards a future that is liberating for all.
“Olori Wuraola-Zynab Ogunwusi
#OoniofIfe #AroleOduduwa #OjajaII #KingofKings #OloriWuraola #QueenWuraola.”
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