By Opeyemi Adelakun
Mixed reactions have trailed a video showing former President Olusegun Obasanjo sitting in a seat reportedly reserved for the Ooni of Ife at an event.
In the video, Obasanjo was heard explaining his position, saying, “When a President is present, you give him more honour than any king.”
The incident has sparked debate among Nigerians on social media, with commenters divided over whether the former president was justified in occupying the seat.
Some users criticised the decision, arguing that traditional rulers occupy ancestral thrones that command respect beyond the tenure of political office holders.
One commenter, Akinjopo Festus Femi, attributed the action to Obasanjo’s age, writing, “Old age is telling.”
Another user, Omooba Fapetu Taiwo, argued that the incident was not unprecedented, saying, “This is not the first time he’s doing such, so it’s not new,” before citing a Yoruba saying.
However, some Nigerians defended the former president, arguing that his status as a former head of state and president entitled him to the recognition accorded to political leaders.
Engr Ojoba Charles said the protocol could depend on the location and circumstances of the event.
He wrote, “Baba is normal, in an occasion like this outside the kings kingdom president and governor’s are about king.”
He added that traditional authority would take precedence within a monarch’s domain, arguing that even foreign political leaders would recognise the authority of a king in his territory.
Another commenter, Akintayo Akinwande Israel, said Obasanjo’s status as a former president placed him above any traditional ruler in terms of political authority.
He wrote, “Locally, at the state level or even international, nothing will bring any King above Obasanjo a former President.”
Similarly, Comr Godwin Omokhioge Chaba argued that the constitutional position of a president made the office politically superior to traditional institutions.
He said, “The president is the most powerful person in every nation, all traditional rulers and political leaders fall under the directive of the president.”
Chaba also pointed out that a traditional ruler could potentially become president, whereas a serving or former president could not simply become a traditional ruler by virtue of holding the presidency.
Another commenter, Jamiu Yomi Bakare, questioned the constitutional status of traditional rulers, asking, “Does Nigeria constitution recognize a king?”
There were also references to an earlier incident involving the Ooni of Ife and other prominent political figures.
Ajayi Peter Niyi recalled an occasion when the Ooni visited the palace of the Oba of Lagos, with then Lagos State political heavyweight Bola Tinubu reportedly already seated before the monarch arrived.
He wrote that Tinubu “did not stand up to welcome Ooni”, arguing that the incident should be considered when assessing Obasanjo’s conduct.
“None of us can teach Obj how to behave in the public, because Obj can discuss traditions and Nigeria more than any of us. Obj has seen it all,” he added.
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