By; Niyi Ogungbola, Abeokuta.
The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday condemned the rivalry for supremacy among Yoruba monarchs.
According to him, such rivalry would not promote unity and development in the land hence, the rulers must embrace unity and cooperation among themselves.
Obasanjo stated this when the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, paid him a courtesy visit at his presidential hilltops residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
He described the hierarchical struggle as “a distraction which could result in setback”, adding that good governance and welfare of their subjects should be paramount to them.
He explained that the monarchs should jealously guard the honour accorded to their offices and also demonstrate mutual respect for each other.
“I think what is more important is to give good governance to the citizens and also have mutual respect for ourselves.
“When I was President and even now, I usually accord respect to all Presidents, particularly to the ones with small populations.
“I do this because I realised that no matter how densely populated a country might be, it has the same one vote at the United Nations just as a country with few people.
“For instance Nigeria with a population of about 180 million has the same vote with Saotome whth a population of 150,000,” he said.
The former President who recalled how he consulted with Gov. Abiola Ajumobi of Oyo state during the tussle for the obaship of Ibadan commended the governor for “taking the right step”.
According to him, it was God who enthroned the monarch and he must be trustworthy and ensure regular dispense of justice.
“I pray that God who puts you there will help you to succeed.
“What is most important to any leader, be it traditional, political or religious is for him to be trustworthy.
“Nobody is perfect, but once you are queried over some issues and you are able to defend yourself well, you can then leave the rest to God”.
In his response, Adetunji commended Obasanjo for his role in his emergence as the 41st Olubadan.
He called for unity among the monarchs in Yorubaland.
