Respect your stool, remain apolitical, group tells Ataoja of Osogbo

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

A socio-cultural group, the Oroki United Front, has urged the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, to remain politically neutral and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution by serving as a father to all, regardless of political affiliation.

The group made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo and signed by its coordinator, Mr. Abass Jayeola.

The statement expressed concern over an alleged directive by the monarch inviting members of the Ataoja-in-Council to a meeting with the Accord Party Campaign Council at the palace, with the agenda reportedly titled: “Existing understanding between the Accord Party and Osogboland and any other relevant matters.”

According to the group, traditional institutions should not be drawn into partisan politics.

“It has been brought to our notice that the Ataoja of Osogbo directed the Olurokis to attend a meeting with the Accord Party Campaign Council at the palace. As indigenes of Osogbo who are genuinely committed to the growth and development of our town, we believe the Ataoja should remain above partisan politics and be a father to all, just like other respected traditional rulers in Osun State, including the Ooni of Ife, the Orangun of Ila, the Oluwo of Iwo and the Ogiyan of Ejigbo,” the statement said.

The group warned against turning the Ataoja’s palace into a venue for political meetings, insisting that it should remain a place where issues affecting the development and welfare of Osogbo people are discussed without political bias.

“We do not want to see the revered stool of the Ataoja reduced to that of a political party’s senatorial leader. Unfortunately, as happened in 2022, the Ataoja appears to be venturing into partisan politics again. The palace should be a home for everyone, irrespective of political or religious affiliation, and not an avenue for political party meetings,” it added.

The Oroki United Front also referred to the monarch’s previous claim of an alleged assassination attempt, which it said was later contradicted by the police, describing the episode as damaging to the image of the traditional institution.

According to the group, “The episode was a setback not only for the royal father but also for the Ataoja’s stool. Such occurrences should not be repeated if the institution is to continue to command the respect it deserves.”

The group urged the monarch to emulate other prominent traditional rulers who receive politicians from different parties while maintaining neutrality.

It cited the example of the Ooni of Ife, who it said had hosted both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord Party campaign councils without taking sides.

“The Ataoja should be honoured to receive all political parties and use such opportunities to discuss matters affecting the development of Osogbo, rather than pursuing personal interests,” the statement said.

The group further called on members of the Ataoja-in-Council, including Baales, compound heads, youth leaders and town associations, to remain non-partisan during any engagement with politicians.

It urged them to demand explanations from political leaders over what it described as unfulfilled promises made by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke since the 2022 election.

Among the issues it said should be raised are alleged disparities in infrastructure development between Osogbo and Ede, concerns over boundary matters, and questions surrounding the naming of the Osun State Government Secretariat.

The group maintained that discussions with politicians should focus on the interests of Osogbo and not personal benefits.

“If these critical issues are not raised, the Ataoja will be seen as speaking for himself rather than for the people of Osogbo. We reject any attempt to reduce our traditional ruler to the status of a political leader. He should remain a true custodian of our customs and traditions.”

The statement concluded by urging all those expected to attend the meeting to act in the overall interest of Osogbo, warning that their actions would be remembered by future generations.