Osun Chief Denies Political Declaration, Cites Misrepresentation

The Baale of Gbodofon in Osogbo, and Chairman of the Council of Baales in Osogbo, Osun state, High Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, has refuted reports suggesting that he made a political declaration or endorsed any governorship aspirant ahead of the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election.

Chief Ibrahim described the reports, which surfaced in a few national dailies and online media platforms, as “false, misleading, and mischievously twisted to create unnecessary political tension.”

Speaking in a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo on Saturday, the community leader said his recent comments on Oroki Àsàlá, a current affairs programme aired on the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), were taken out of context and misrepresented by sections of the media.

“Ordinarily, I would have ignored such publications, but it has become necessary to correct the wrong impressions being circulated about what I said during that programme,” Chief Ibrahim said.

He explained that the programme focused mainly on the Aro in Osogbo and its cultural significance, not politics, but that towards the end of the show, he was asked a question on whether Osogbo indigenes would support one of their own who decided to contest for a political position.

“In my response, I made it clear that if there is a capable and suitable candidate from Osogbo, our people might support such a person. However, as of now, there is no political party that has chosen or selected an Osogbo indigene as its flag bearer. That was all I said,” he clarified.

The Baale stressed that his response was a general comment on fairness and not an endorsement of any political aspirant or party, adding that only the Osogbo Elders’ Council and Kabiyesi, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, have the authority to make such political declarations on behalf of the town.

“Let me state emphatically that I did not make any political endorsement during that programme. I only gave a general response to a hypothetical question, and my answer was based purely on logic and fairness, not politics. It is only the Elders’ Council and Kabiyesi that can endorse anyone on behalf of Osogbo,” he stated.

Chief Ibrahim reaffirmed that he is not a politician and does not belong to any political group, saying his only interest is the peace, unity, and development of Osogbo and its people.

“I remain a traditional leader who believes in peace, unity, and development of our community. I am not a politician, and I do not belong to any political group. Therefore, any report suggesting that I made a political statement or took sides in any governorship matter is untrue and should be disregarded,” he emphasized.

He appealed to journalists and media organisations to verify their reports before publication, especially on issues involving traditional rulers and cultural institutions, stressing that accuracy and objectivity are key to responsible journalism.

“The media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion, and accuracy must remain its guiding principle. I urge members of the public, especially residents of Osogbo and Osun State, to disregard the false stories being circulated about my comments. They do not reflect what I said or the purpose of my appearance on OSBC,” he said.

But Chief Ibrahim has now clarified that while unity among community leaders remains strong, he never made a political declaration nor authorised any form of endorsement during his appearance on OSBC.

“Our priority as traditional leaders is to promote peace, stability, and the progress of Osogbo. That remains our focus. We are not in competition with anyone; our duty is to ensure harmony and development in our land,” he added.