The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Oyo State, Oba Francis Alao, on Monday, explained why the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, sat on one of his palace chairs at a recent occasion in his domain.
The PUNCH reports that controversy had trailed a viral photograph on social media capturing Adeboye sitting on the royal seat.
But Olugbon, who is also the Deputy Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, in a statement he personally signed, said, “My attention has been drawn to different kinds of reactions to a photo circulating in the social media where the G.O. of RCCG, Pastor Adeboye, sat on one of the palace chairs.
“Let me set the record straight by reminding all that Pastor Adeboye was in Orile-Igbon for an evangelism programme, which held on the playground of Olugbon High School. His chopper landed in an open space within the palace from where I received him to my living room. We spent some time talking about Nigeria and Orile-Igbon before we moved to the venue of the programme where thousands of people already gathered.
“I joined the revered priest to the venue as a mark of support for the programme given that his coming to the ancient town will be a blessing to us. And he did pray for both the town and everyone who attended.
“As a mark of honour, I offered one of the ceremonial royal chairs that are usually reserved for top dignitaries to Pastor Adeboye to be used at the programme. It should be noted that the chair is not the particular one that is reserved for the Olugbon which cannot be shared with anyone because of its spiritual and historical significance.
“The royal chairs are provided in palaces to honour high-ranking dignitaries, not to desecrate the throne. I, therefore, seek the understanding of all those expressing concern about the issue. There is a traditional royal chair that is meant for only the Kabiyesi, and there are traditional ceremonial chairs for very important persons. The throne of the ancient town of Orile-Igbon remains sacrosanct.”
The monarch, also in the state, felicitated Christians on Christmas, noting that it was “another occasion of celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is a worldwide celebration.”
“I urge all followers of Christ in Nigeria to use this period to reflect on the multiple blessings of God, particularly the grace to be alive to witness another Christmas.
“Aside from eating and drinking to celebrate his birth, Christmas is a time to make a new commitment to ensuring that our lives mirror Christ in every way. We should make a commitment to a life of righteousness, honesty and showing love to fellow men regardless of their faith and cultural beliefs,” Olugbon said.
