From the days of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, regional or state Governors have been very powerful. With just one paragraph letter from a Governor, an Oba could be suspended or even dethroned.
At the same time, our Obas are our royal fathers. Our Obas, especially before the colonial time, were even more powerful than the political Governors. The Obas used to have the power of life and death.
During those days, when an Oba says bring his or her head to me in a calabash bowl, it must be carried out. But those kinds of days are far gone. These days, the governors are more powerful than the Obas. A Governor rules over a state that incorporates so many kingdoms.
Any arrogant state Governor can therefore choose to greet an Oba any how.
But, Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi went back to pre-colonial time to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi at a function, specifically the 60th birthday bash of Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The Ekiti Governor greeted the Ooni like a subject of the monarch which he is. Ile Ife is the cradle of Yorubaland. Kayode Fayemi passed this test with 110% mark and we have given it to him.
Photo: Kayode Fayemi, Omowunmi Adejoke Gbaibi, Facebook