Osun Guber: Osogbo group urges Ataoja to remain neutral

Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, has been urged to remain politically neutral and not to allow the palace to become a platform for partisan activities.

The appeal was contained in a statement by the Oroki United Front on Friday in Osogbo.

The statement signed by the group’s Coordinator, Abass Jayeola, followed a purported directive for the Olurokis to attend a meeting with the Accord Campaign Council at the Ataoja’s palace.

According to the statement, “the meeting was reportedly convened under the agenda, Existing understanding between the ACCORD Party and Osogboland and any other relevant matters”.

The group maintained that “the Ataoja should remain a father to all residents of Osogbo irrespective of their political affiliations. It is our wish that the Ataoja stays off politics and be a father to all, like every other traditional rulers in the state”.

It argued that the royal palace should serve as a centre for discussions on the welfare and development of Osogbo rather than a venue for political party meetings, adding that, “The palace should be home for everyone, not an avenue to hold political party meetings.”

Oroki United Front also referred to a previous allegation of an assassination attempt involving the monarch, claiming that the matter had been resolved by the police.

“Such incidents should not be repeated in order to protect the reputation of the traditional institution. Ataoja should emulate other traditional rulers in the state by maintaining neutrality.

“The Ooni of Ife, the Orangun of Ila, the Oluwo of Iwo and the Ogiyan of Ejigbo are examples of monarchs who had received politicians from different political parties without taking sides,” the statement said.

It also said any engagement with political actors should focus on issues affecting Osogbo, including the implementation of promises allegedly made by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke before the 2022 election.

The statement called on Baales, compound heads, youth leaders and community representatives expected at the meeting to remain non-partisan and question politicians on matters affecting the town.

“Osogbo is not for sale. We are watching you. Our ancestors are also watching you and Ataoja should seek explanations on issues affecting Osogbo’s interests, including infrastructure development, boundary concerns and the location of government facilities.

“The Ataoja should ensure that discussions at the meeting address matters relating to the development and territorial integrity of Osogbo rather than personal or political interests. Failure to raise such issues could create the impression that the monarch is speaking for himself rather than the community,” the statement declared.