‘Don’t Drag Ataoja-In-Council Into Politics,’ Group Tells Osun Monarch

An Osogbo-based group, Oroki United Front, has called on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, to remain politically neutral ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The group made the appeal in a statement issued on Friday by its Coordinator, Abass Jayeola, following what it described as a planned meeting between the Ataoja-in-Council and the Accord Party campaign council at the monarch’s palace.

According to the group, it received information that the meeting would focus on an “existing understanding between the Accord Party and Osogboland and any other relevant matters.”

While urging the traditional ruler to remain a father to all irrespective of political affiliation, the group said the palace should not be used as a venue for partisan political engagements.

“We do not like to see the stool of Ataoja reduced to that of a political party senatorial leader. The palace should be home for everyone, not an avenue to hold political party meetings, but an abode where the growth, development and well-being of every Osogbo indigene, irrespective of political and religious affiliation, are discussed for the good of all,” the statement read.

The group said traditional rulers are expected to maintain neutrality, citing the examples of the Ooni of Ife, the Orangun of Ila, the Oluwo of Iwo and the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, whom it said had maintained non-partisan roles while ↓ receiving political actors.

“For record purposes, the Ooni has received both the APC and the Accord campaign councils at his palace and displayed a fatherly role for both sides. One would be happy that the Ataoja will be given the honour of hosting both parties and put forward issues that bother on the development of Osogbo rather than selling the town for personal gain,” it stated.

Oroki United Front also urged members of the Ataoja-in-Council, including baales, compound heads, youth leaders and community groups expected at the meeting, to focus discussions on issues affecting the development of Osogbo.

The group said the meeting should be used to seek explanations from political leaders over developmental issues affecting the town, including infrastructure, rather than advancing partisan interests.

“We are using this opportunity to prevail on the team, which includes Baales, heads of compounds, youth leaders and town fora, to be apolitical and critically engage the politicians. It is important to let you all know that Osogbo is not for sale,” the statement added.

The group further maintained that the Ataoja should continue to uphold the dignity of the traditional institution by serving as a custodian of the interests of all residents of Osogbo, regardless of political leanings.