Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has caused a stir at the inauguration of the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin road in Oyo State.
Obasanjo was on Friday, September 15, 2023, invited by the governor of the state, Seyi Makinde for the opening of internal roads in Iseyin.
But when he was given the opportunity to talk, Obasanjo instructed the royal leaders to rise and greet him.
He made a gesture, calling upon the traditional rulers to stand, and they complied.
This incident drew criticism on social media, with some accusing Obasanjo of showing disrespect to the traditional rulers.
During his address, Obasanjo urged leaders at all levels to embrace a form of democracy that promotes prosperity rather than one that inflicts suffering on the people.
He stated, “We must discard a form of democracy that perpetuates poverty, insecurity, and unemployment, and instead prioritize the people’s enjoyment of the dividends of democracy.”
According to the ex-president, democracy is nothing without work.
“Democracy that nurtures poverty is abortion. Democracy that nurtures unemployment is a failure,” he added.
“That’s when democracy would continue to survive and people will feel that yes, democracy is a worthwhile system of government that must be embraced.”
Obasanjo also stated that he was particularly delighted that the governor chose him to be part of the success that he is achieving in Oyo State.