April 21, 2015 – The Afenifere Renewal Group has condemned what it described as unguarded vitriol, misrepresentation, and misinterpretation that continue to trail the incidence at the palace of the respected Oba of Lagos, HRH Rilwan Akiolu I.
In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, the group said those who are hiding under democracy to malign the person and office of the Oba of Lagos must not forget that democracy cannot obliterate traditions and cultural privileges.
“The ARG would like to say that the Yoruba culture is self-regulatory and it leaves room for check and balances. No one needs to teach us how to put our house in order. We therefore condemn all the uncharitable calls for sanctions and apologies,” the statement said.
“For explanatory purpose, it must be emphasised that the Oba is supreme in Yoruba cultural context and in Lagos, the lagoon is seen in the traditional context as the defender of Lagos’ interest. It is believed that those working against Lagos’ interest would be swallowed up by the lagoon.”
“It is therefore mischievous to equate the Oba’s comment to a hate speech or ethnic violence; the same could have been said to any Yoruba man or group perceived by the royalty of working against the domain’s interest.”
“The revered stool of Oba of Lagos and the present occupant cannot be subjected to public disparage under an intangible democratic right that fails to understand and accommodate our cultural disposition. We hope every negative campaign will stop henceforth.”
