Osun poll: Stay away from politics – Group urges Ataoja

Osogbo-based group, Oroki United Front, has urged the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, to remain a custodian of tradition and refrain from further involvement in partisan politics.

In a statement released yesterday, the group’s coordinator, Abass Jayeola, reacted to what it described as a purported directive by the monarch, instructing some traditional rulers within his domain—identified as Olurokis—to convene a meeting with the Accord Party campaign council at the Ataoja’s palace.

The group said the meeting was reportedly scheduled with the sole agenda: “Existing understanding between the Accord Party and Osogboland and any other relevant matters.”

According to Jayeola, “As indigenes of Osogbo, who care for its growth and development, it is our earnest wish that the Ataoja stays away from politics and continues to serve as a father to all, in line with the tradition of other revered monarchs in the state, including the Ooni of Ife, Orangun of Ila, Oluwo of Iwo, and Ogiyan of Ejigbo, among others.”

The group expressed displeasure at what it described as the possible politicisation of the Ataoja’s stool, adding that the palace should remain a meeting ground for issues of communal development rather than serving as a venue for party activities.

The statement also recalled the events of 2022, alleging that the Ataoja had again “picked up the fabrics of politics.” It further said that an earlier claim by Oba Oyetunji regarding an alleged political assassination attempt had later been confirmed as untrue by the police, describing the development as detrimental to both the monarch and the integrity of the stool.

It further urged the monarch and persons attending the meeting to remain apolitical, noting that the community is determined to ensure that Osogbo “is not for sale.”

The group said it would be important for leaders and stakeholders within Osogbo—including baales, heads of compounds, youth leadership, and town fora—to “probe” politicians and demand explanations on unfulfilled promises.

The group specifically stated that the Ataoja should use the platform to demand clarifications on issues it described as expansionist actions against Osogbo by the Edes, including whether any supposed agreement with the Accord Party includes commitments that could undermine Osogbo’s territorial interests.

It also called for clarity on boundary-related matters, including the alleged reference to the state government secretariat as Ede, and Oke-Pupa, insisting that such issues should not be handled without firm answers and public accountability.

It warned against the use of gatherings to market oneself or demean the palace, asserting that the roles of all those involved would be documented “in history,” while invoking what it described as the vigilance of ancestors and the gods of Osun-Osogbo.

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