Indigenes of Osogbo land have warned their traditional ruler, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun against dragging the stool and the Ataoja-in-Council into politics ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The indigenes, under the socio-cultural group, Oroki United Front, gave the warning in a statement issued and signed by their coordinator, Abass Jayeola, in Osogbo on Friday.

Jayeola expressed displeasure over an alleged directive from Oba Olanipekun, asking the Olurokis to hold a meeting with the Accord Party Campaign Council at the Ataoja’s palace “with a sole agenda tagged, “Existing understanding between the ACCORD party and Osogboland and any other relevant matters.”

“As indigenes of Osogbo and without mincing words, who care for its growth and development, it is our wish that the Ataoja stays off politics and be a father to all, like every other traditional rulers in the state, like the Ooni of Ife, Orangun of Ila, Oluwo of Iwo, Ogiyan of Ejigbo among others.

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,” the statement noted.

Jayeola stated that the incident involving the Ataoja claiming an attempted assassination on him and was later dismissed by the Police, was “a big minus, not just for 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.”

He further admonished the traditional ruler to play the role of a father who is concerned about the greater interest of the town rather than 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,” he said.