Constituents of the Kwara South senatorial district, Kwara state have condemned alleged moves by political actors in the state to influence traditional rulers in the area to endorse one of the 15 governorship aspirants for the 2027 general elections.
The people, under the aegis of the Kwara South Mandate Group, led by Chief Olayemi Afolayan, said that
the sacred stools occupied by revered Obas are not instruments for political manipulation.
Afolayan, who said that the alleged act is disrespectful, added that traditional leadership has, for generations, served as a pillar of cultural identity, unity, and moral authority in our society and should not be reduced to tools in any form of partisan contest.
“Our traditional rulers are custodians of our heritage, symbols of our collective dignity, and embodiments of the values that bind our communities together. To attempt to drag them into the murky waters of political endorsement, particularly through coercion or undue influence, is to undermine the very essence of their revered positions.
“We wish to state clearly and respectfully that our kings must be accorded the honour and dignity they deserve. They are fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliations, and must remain neutral arbiters who unite rather than divide their people. Any attempt to compromise this neutrality is both unacceptable and dangerous.
“The Kwara South Mandate Group is particularly concerned by the alleged involvement of state actors in orchestrating this move. If indeed such actions are being contemplated or executed, it represents a troubling departure from democratic norms and a disregard for the autonomy of traditional institutions.
“It is instructive to note that in other senatorial zones within the state, there has been no such reported pressure on first-class traditional rulers to declare support for any gubernatorial candidate.
“This raises serious questions about fairness, equity, and respect for Kwara South as a vital and equal component of the state.
«We, therefore, respectfully insist that Kwara South be accorded the same level of dignity and consideration as other regions.
«Our traditional rulers must not be singled out for political exploitation or subjected to pressures that undermine their integrity and independence.
«Let it be clearly understood that the traditional institution is sacred. It is a heritage passed down through generations, deserving of protection, reverence, and insulation from partisan interference.
«To politicise it is to erode its sanctity and weaken its role in fostering peace and cohesion».