Osun 2027: ‘You Cannot Be Fathers to All and Campaign for Some’ — Oriade Stakeholders Warn Obas

Traditional rulers across Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State have been urged to shun partisan politics and preserve the neutrality of their palaces ahead of the forthcoming elections, with stakeholders warning that political bias could threaten communal unity and undermine the dignity of traditional institutions.

The appeal was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Iyanda Tunji, Omolebi-Sunday Segun Tunde, Senior Media Aide and Legislative Aide to Hon. Oluwole Oke, who called on royal fathers to remain impartial and treat supporters of all political parties equally.

The signatories noted that political activities were gathering momentum in Oriade, where parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord, New Democratic Congress (NDC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), were fielding candidates for legislative positions.

They stressed that supporters of the different parties belonged to the same communities and deserved equal respect and consideration from their traditional rulers.

According to the communiqué, perceived political bias by royal fathers could breed suspicion, deepen divisions and erode public confidence in traditional institutions.

‘No Political Party Is Bigger Than the Throne’

The signatories urged traditional rulers to avoid public statements, appearances and engagements that could be interpreted as partisan endorsements, stressing that personal political preferences must not override their responsibilities to the entire community.

“The throne is bigger than any political party, and its enduring legacy must transcend the electoral fortunes of individual politicians,” they stated.

They also cautioned against allowing personal friendships, political relationships or past favours to influence traditional responsibilities, insisting that palaces should remain accessible to politicians and residents across political divides.

The communiqué noted that while political parties and alliances might change, traditional institutions were expected to endure beyond electoral contests and continue serving the interests of their communities.

Stakeholders Call for Peaceful Elections

The signatories further urged royal fathers to discourage political hostility, intimidation and violence while promoting issue-based campaigns and responsible conduct among political actors.

They maintained that neutrality did not mean indifference to the welfare of the people, adding that traditional rulers could use their influence to promote peaceful elections, security and community development without advancing partisan interests.

The communiqué stated that traditional rulers would command greater respect when people across political divides regarded them as impartial authorities capable of offering counsel and resolving disputes fairly.

Clarifying that the appeal was not intended to question the personal convictions of royal fathers, the signatories said it was aimed at protecting the dignity and public confidence of traditional institutions.

They urged the rulers to measure their legacies by the unity they preserved, conflicts they prevented and confidence they inspired among their subjects.

“The throne must remain a sanctuary for all, not a platform for some. The palace must remain a home for every subject, not a political stronghold for selected interests,” the communiqué stated.

The signatories expressed confidence that traditional rulers across Oriade would embrace the appeal in the interest of peace, unity and development in the area.