Protocol professionals in Nigeria gathered virtually over the weekend for a key session organised by the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners of Nigeria (ACPPN).
The online event featured a powerful presentation by U.S.-based protocol and international engagement consultant, Feyisola Adetunji.
Adetunji, speaking to a diverse audience of protocol officers, event planners, and government officials, stressed the importance of having a well-defined order of precedence in Nigeria.
He explained that consistent protocol application before, during, and after official events helps to uphold dignity, avoid confusion, and boost public confidence.
“Precedence is not about ego,” Adetunji stated. “It’s about ensuring order and respect. People should know their roles and positions, not as a means to belittle others, but to foster service and structure.”
With an engaging style and relatable stories, Adetunji explained that Nigeria’s failure to follow clear rules on who should come first at public events often causes confusion and unnecessary conflict.
This lack of structure affects the smooth running of important gatherings.
He shared a personal experience from 2017 when he served as the lead protocol officer at a major international conference. According to him, a small mistake in the order of speakers nearly led to a diplomatic incident, highlighting the importance of getting precedence right.
“The introduction of a House Representative member before a Senator nearly disrupted the event. We resolved it quickly, but it highlighted the sensitivity around roles and hierarchy,” he said.
In his presentation, Adetunji highlighted real-life events to show why proper protocol matters. He cited the incident where Governor Soludo was redirected at Eagle Square, pointing out how poor access control and miscommunication can cause unnecessary embarrassment. He said clear plans and proper security alignment are key to avoiding such issues.
He also referenced the public disagreement between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and traditional rulers in Oyo, which reflected ongoing tensions between official government protocol and traditional leadership structures. Adetunji noted that these situations show the need to respect modern governance and cultural traditions.
Another case he mentioned was the clash between Governor Adeleke and Senator Basiru at an Eid prayer gathering in Osogbo. A mix-up in seating arrangements led to a visible rift, showing how minor oversights can escalate into public conflict.
Adetunji explained that these examples weren’t just for storytelling; they were used to teach. He urged protocol officers to consider politics, public perception, and cultural context when planning events.
He stressed that good planning, empathy, and fair rule enforcement can help avoid problems. He also called for citizenship education to help Nigerians better understand protocol and public conduct.
“The time has come for every public servant, private institutions, protocol officer, and stakeholder to understand what order of precedence is, why it matters, and how to uphold it with dignity. We need nationwide awareness and education to avoid preventable protocol breaches,” he said.
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