A photo of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledging the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has caused a buzz on social media.
Many Nigerians have praised it, while some were of the opinion that the president went too far in saluting the presence of the referred monarch.
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Recall that similar incident recently generated sharp reactions in the media when a Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, was seen disrespecting the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II by extending his hand for a handshake.
One of those praising President Tinubu in the latest development was a social critic and bestselling author, Reno Omokri.
In a statement he posted on his Twitter handle, Reno said the action of the president was so heartwarming and implored traditional rulers to know their place as the custodian of the culture and tradition of their people.
He wrote:
This is the President respectfully greeting Hie Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin. He did not casually acknowledge. He genuflected to him.
This is so heartwarming, and I hope a certain traditional ruler from the South**** sees this.
Yes, this occurred partially because of the Omoluabi culture of the Southwest and majorly because the Oba of Benin is a monarch rarely seen in social events. And because of that, he had value added to the intrinsic value he gets from his throne.
When a monarch is seen at every owambe and naming ceremony, his over circulation deflates his honour, leading to overfamiliarity from people who should have awe of him. Napoleon said, “If I am often seen at the theatre, people will cease to notice me.”
As a revered traditional ruler, you should comport yourself in a manner that commands respect. This is more so when you are not just a traditional ruler, but also a spiritual leader. People like that occupy an office of high moral and spiritual authority and should not allow overfamiliarity because when they are disrespected, all the people they represent are also disrespected.
When a Governor prostrates flat to greet an elder, a traditional and spiritual ruler should not tolerate some anyhow greeting that rubbishes the esteemed position he holds, not just in Nigeria but globally.
Who the cap fits, let him wear it.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
