The eyes does not see itself, except by reflection” – Williams Shakespeare. This quote is fitting for the lifestyle of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In a reported condolence visit to the kingmakers of Ile-Ife, on the demise of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, he offered an unsolicited advice on the mode of selection of a new Ooni, befitting the ancient stool. As a Yoruba elder (not leader!), Obasanjo should know better. After the passage of an Oba, the race for succession go thus: 1. Declaration of interest by princes to appropriate royal ruling house.

Names are forwarded to kingmakers.
After “traditional due process” is done, the choice is sent to the state government for approval. This is a broad outline, but not an exhaustive one. We cannot forget in a hurry Obasanjo’s meddlesomeness in the Owu stool! The volatility of Osun politics is a signal for all to beware!