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
