Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday ordered some traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand up and greet the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
The former president gave the order during the commissioning of the Iseyin Campus of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Mr Obasanjo, who was apparently unhappy with the manner in which the traditional rulers remained in their seats while he and the governor arrived at the venue, said the Yoruba culture gives regard to both age and position.
Addressing the monarchs in Yoruba, Mr Obasanjo said the position and authority of a governor or president at any event supersede that of any traditional ruler in attendance.
He maintained that even though Mr Makinde may be young, he occupies a highly exalted office that demands respect from the monarchs.
“You monarchs and traditional rulers, I greet you all. Thank you all for being here.
“But let me say something; anywhere there is the President or a governor, there is no monarch or king. He has to stand up for the governor or President.
“Stand up!” Mr Obasanjo barked at them.
The traditional rulers sheepishly obeyed.
“Sit down!” the former president barked again.
After they sat back, Mr Obasanjo continued, “Please, in Yorubaland, there are two things that we respect among others. Age and position.
“Governor has a position that supersedes that of any monarch or traditional ruler when he is still the governor. When he is no more a governor, it is another thing.
“Even when I was the President, I do prostrate for Kings but when I entered into the room, kings would prostrate for me.
“So, let us extol our culture and tradition by promoting the same”.