The former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday meted embarrassment to the entire traditional council of Oyo State, but it will interest you that it was not accidental but a deliberate attack at Olugbon of Orile-Igbon.
According to Adejare Ibrahim, who writes from Oyo Alaafin, Obasanjo purposely came to that occasion to take his own pound of flesh on some of the kings who had offended him in the past, noting that he just used Governor Seyi Makinde’s defense as a conduit for his diatribes.
One of those obas he has issues with is Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, who also doubles as the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The writer submitted: “Some months back, I listened to Oba Olugbon on Fresh FM, Political Circuit, where he berated Baba Obasanjo on his support for Peter Obi. Mayor Isaac Brown would recall the incident. He anchored the program.
In that interview, Oba Olugbon took a swipe at Obasanjo for opposing the presidential aspiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He also taunted him and threw a slight verbal jab by saying Baba Obasanjo was becoming senile. I am cocksure that some of Baba Obasanjo’s loyalists would have played the audio clip to him.
Adding insult to Baba Obasanjo’s festering injuries, after the inauguration of President Tinubu, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, in the company of some prominent Oyo State citizens, was the first traditional ruler to pay a solidarity visit to President Tinubu in the Villa. I remember that our own Professor Adeolu Akande was in that entourage.
Baba Obasanjo, with his petty and non-forgiving spirit, was battle-ready for reprisals, especially against the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon. He did not act in ignorance. It was a deliberate attack aimed at ridiculing those traditional rulers.
Chief Obasanjo should have been more cautious in his crude approach. He ought not to have vented his beastly anger on the entire Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. He should have been bold enough to direct his personal attacks at the Olugbon.
Nevertheless, one thing I am sure of is that the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon is an astute and dexterous public analyst. He knows how to get back at Baba Obasanjo. He won’t let go.
I trust the Olugbon on that. Also, he is a dogged fighter who has mastered the art of throwing back lethal punches at his traducers and adversaries. It is a matter of time before Baba Obasanjo will hear from him.
In Yoruba language, we say “kannakanna n’omo ega, ija n’bo.” Baba Obasanjo is engaged in a long-drawn battle with the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, who is an astute fighter like Baba Obasanjo as well. We shall all see where this cold war between Baba Obasanjo and Olugbon ends,” he submitted.
The ongoing feud between Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, has reached a boiling point. The recent alleged blasphemous act by Obasanjo against the Oke Ogun obas appears to be an indirect attack targeted at the Olugbon. Adejare Ibrahim, a writer from Oyo Alaafin, sheds light on the underlying reasons behind Obasanjo’s actions.
It is no secret that Obasanjo holds grudges against those who have offended him in the past, and Oba Olugbon is one such individual. Just a few months ago, in an interview on Fresh FM’s Political Circuit, Oba Olugbon criticized Obasanjo’s support for Peter Obi and opposed his stance on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential aspiration. These remarks may have fueled the fire of anger within Obasanjo.
Moreover, to intensify Obasanjo’s bitterness, Oba Olugbon was the first traditional ruler to visit President Tinubu in the Villa after his inauguration. This act of solidarity, accompanied by prominent Oyo State citizens, further irked Obasanjo, who felt disrespected and disregarded.
It is evident that Obasanjo’s attack on the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs was a deliberate move to ridicule those who have crossed him, particularly targeting the Olugbon. However, it is important to acknowledge that Obasanjo’s crude approach should have been more cautiously directed solely at the Olugbon rather than tarnishing the reputation of the entire council.
Nevertheless, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon is not one to back down easily. Known for his intellectual prowess and ability to retort with scathing remarks, he will not let this insult go unanswered. Time will tell when and how the Olugbon will respond, but one thing is certain—he is a formidable opponent to Obasanjo.
In Yoruba culture, there is a saying, “kannakanna n’omo ega, ija n’bo,” which translates to “when a child keeps growing, a fight is imminent.” This proverbial battle between Baba Obasanjo and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, both strong-willed fighters, is far from over. The outcome of this cold war will be revealed in due course, and we await with bated breath to see how it unfolds.
