From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The palace of Ede in Osun State has explained that Oba Munirudeen Lawal did not denigrate the stool of Timi by greeting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, on bended knees.
A statement by the media assistant to Timi of Ede, Tijani Adekilekun, on Monday, explained that what happened between the two monarchs at the wedding ceremony of Sheik Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa’s son on Friday, was to ensure clearer communication.
The video of Timi of Ede had circulated on social media, greeting the Emir of Ilorin on bended knees, while the Emir was on a sitting position.
The palace of Ede explained that Oba Lawal, having an imposing frame, bended to exchange pleasantries with Emir because Alhaji Sulu Gambari, possibly due to his age or other personal reasons could not stand to greet the guests that went to him to pay homage.
“At first, Oba Lawal leaned towards Sulu Gambari to greet him, but because the Emir could not still hear greetings from his visitor, Baba Timi had to bend and move closer for clearer communication to take place.
“We also note that it was not only Baba Timi that Emir Sulu Gambari did not rise on his feet to greet. The Emir did not leave his seat to greet any of the guests that entered into the inner chamber to meet him.
“We however call for restrain regarding comments on the matter. Law of the land, Yoruba customs and traditions have set boundaries to which any individual can go towards expressing opinion about another person.
“Timi Agbale Olofana’s stool can’t be subjected to any form of ridicule no matter the status of those online self-appointed moderator of morality fanning ember of hate against the current occupant of the stool,” Adekilekun said.