Osun 2026: Group Urges Ataoja of Osogbo to Remain Neutral Towards All Political Actors

As the August 15 governorship election in Osun State draws nearer, a socio-political group under the aegis of the Oroki United Front has called on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun to maintain neutrality, insisting that the traditional institution must remain a unifying force for all indigenes.

In a statement signed by the group Coordinator, Abass Jayeola, expressed concern over an alleged directive by the monarch for the Olurokis to meet with the Accord Party campaign council at the Ataoja’s Palace agenda tagged “Existing understanding between the ACCORD party and Osogboland and any other relevant matters.”

Jayeola said the palace should remain a symbol of unity and a place where issues affecting the development and wellbeing of Osogbo are discussed, rather than a venue for political party engagements.

He warned against any action capable of reducing the Ataoja stool to the status of a political party leadership platform.

According to the statement, traditional rulers should emulate the roles of other monarchs in Osun State, including the Ooni of Ife, Orangun of Ila, Oluwo of Iwo and Ogiyan of Ejigbo by maintaining a fatherly position towards all political actors.

“We do not like to see the stool of Ataoja reduced to that of a political party Senatorial leader. Unfortunately, like in 2022, the Ataoja has picked up the fabrics of politics again. 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 affinity, is adequately discussed for the good of all.

“Unfortunately, Oba Oyetunji’s charade about an alleged political assassination attempt, which later turn out to be a lie as proven by the Police is a big minus not just or the Royal father but for the Ataoja’s stool and we must guide against such occurrence again, if we must be taken serious as a powerful community that has aspiration to produce a governor for he state very soon by the grace of God.

“The Ataoja of Osogbo should toe the path of the above mentioned traditional rulers who play the role of father to role for the greater interest of their towns rather put on the fabrics of politics for pecuniary gain.

“For record purpose, the Ooni has received both the APC and the Accord campaign council at his palace and displayed fatherly role for both side. One would be happy that the Ataoja will be given the honour of hosting both parties and put forward issues that bothers on the development of Osogbo rather than selling the town for personal gain.

“We are aware of many promises made going into the 2022 election by the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration, the scheduled with the Ataoja-in-council should be an opportunity to ask questions about unfulfilled pledges.
We are using this opportunity to prevail on the team, which includes Baales, Head of compounds, Youth leaders, towns fora to ask be apolitical, probe those politicians critically, is important to let you all know that OSOGBO IS NOT FOR SALE. We are watching you. Our ancestors are also watching you.

“The Ataoja should not use the gathering to market himself or the palace like he did at the Freedom Park event, where the consequences of his claims became embarrassing for Osogbo. The Ataoja should not use the gathering to further dip the integrity of the stool in mud or go begging for personal gain. The Ataoja should ask of the reason infrastructural development favours Ede more than Osogbo the capital of Osun.

“The Ataoja should raise issues around the expansionists agenda against Osogbo by the Edes. The issue of agreement with Accord, is the agreement include shielding our territorial places to Ede? Clarity should be requested on the issue of the State Government Secretariat being referred to as Ede, Oke-Pupa among boundary issues which is awaken just because an Ede indigene is governor.

“If this critical issues among many others are not raised, then Ataoja will not been seen to speak for Osogbo but himself and only himself. We detest to see our traditional ruler be treated as a party leader but should be seen as a real custodian of tradition worthy of his calling,” he said.