Taiwo Obasanjo, the wife of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has issued a public apology and plea for forgiveness on behalf of her husband. The apology comes in the wake of a controversial statement made by the former president during the inauguration of projects in Iseyin, Oyo state.
In a statement titled “Oyo Kings: A Plea for Forgiveness,” Taiwo Obasanjo appealed to Yoruba people worldwide, including traditional rulers, to forgive her husband for his remarks. She emphasized her plea with a call for “permanent and eternal forgiveness and pardon.”
During the inauguration event, Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly addressed Yoruba kings in a manner that was seen as disrespectful and humiliating. Taiwo Obasanjo acknowledged that the manner in which her husband addressed the monarchs was unacceptable to the Yoruba race and the institution of kingship.
She expressed her belief that leaders should correct others privately and respectfully, rather than using open contempt and humiliation. Taiwo Obasanjo cited biblical examples of individuals appealing to God with humility and remorse, even when they had erred. She stressed the importance of respecting the institution of monarchy, which she described as an institution established by God before the advent of political governments.
