The Orangun of Ila-Orangun, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, has denied endorsing any candidate ahead of the 2027 Osun State governorship election saying he has no preferred political party among the contenders.
He spoke on Sunday at his palace in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, clarifying a statement by the Osun State Government.
The statement claimed that Ila-Orangun High Chiefs visited Governor Ademola Adeleke and pledged support for his re-election, the Oba said he did not approve the endorsement expressing concern over the use of his name without his consent.
“I am after the development of my domain. I am not involved in politics,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler said many of his subjects belong to different political parties explaining that the situation makes it impossible for him to support one candidate over another.
According to him, politicians from the APC, PDP, ADC, Accord and other parties remain his subjects.
“All the politicians in Yoruba land are our subjects. Regardless of the party, they all belong to us,” he said.
The monarch urged royal fathers across Yoruba land to avoid political divisions saying traditional rulers should focus on peace and community development.
“Politicians can play politics while royal fathers look for ways to develop their domains,” he added.
The controversy started after Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi announced the visit by the Ila-Orangun High Chiefs.
The commissioner said the delegation supported Adeleke’s re-election bid on behalf of Oba Oyedotun.
The statement also said the chiefs rejected Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi’s move from the People’s Democratic Party to the All-Progressives Congress adding that the Ila community appreciated projects carried out by the Adeleke administration which include the ongoing dual carriageway project in Ila-Orangun.
Although, Oba Oyedotun said he did not know about the alleged endorsement before it happened.
However, he said those involved remained members of his community.
“I don’t know about the endorsement, but I won’t say those who carried it out are no longer our people,” he said.
The monarch said his main concern was the unauthorised use of his name.
“What I found disturbing is the way they dropped my name. I didn’t approve what they did,” he added.
He also addressed comments about Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi saying Fadeyi remains an important son of Ila-Orangun.
