Senator Femi Okurounmu, a former lawmaker, member of the 2014 National Conference, and a key figure in the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, has expressed his disappointment with Yoruba Obas, asserting that they have historically failed to protect their people's interests during periods of oppression.
In a report by The Punch, Okurounmu pointed to the era of General Sani Abacha's regime as a prime example of this failure. He claimed that during this time, only a few Obas defended the Yoruba people, while many others chose to placate the oppressive government.
Given this historical context, Okurounmu questioned why Yoruba Obas continue to be held in high esteem, as they have not been instrumental in safeguarding the interests of the Yoruba community.
He said, "An Oba is supposed to defend the interest of his own people, but Yoruba Obas are the opposite, Yoruba Obas do not fight for the interests of their people any time the interests of their people are under attack, Yoruba Obas always find a way of collaborating with the people trying to even oppress the Yoruba for their safety. During the Abacha era, you can imagine the role played by many Obas; only very few Obas stood up for the Yoruba people. A lot of them fell to Abacha. If people go into the history of obaship in Yorubaland, I don’t know why anybody still thinks highly of Obas; they (Obas) are not playing any vital role for Yoruba people."