The Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun, has distanced himself from the reported endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, insisting that he has not authorised anyone to declare support for any political party or governorship candidate ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The monarch made the clarification on Sunday at his palace in Ila-Orangun following reports that a delegation of Ila-Orangun High Chiefs visited Governor Adeleke and pledged support for his second-term ambition on behalf of the traditional ruler.
The reported endorsement was contained in a statement issued by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, which also claimed that the delegation dissociated the Ila community from the recent defection of Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the development, Oba Oyedotun said he remains neutral in partisan politics and has no preferred candidate or political party in the forthcoming governorship election.
According to him, many prominent sons and daughters of Ila-Orangun belong to different political parties, making it inappropriate for him as the traditional ruler to take sides.
“I am concerned about the development of my town, not partisan politics. All politicians, irrespective of their political parties, are our subjects. Whether APC, PDP, Accord or any other party, they all belong to us,” the monarch said.
He urged traditional rulers across Yorubaland to remain impartial and focus on promoting peace and development in their respective domains rather than becoming involved in political rivalries.
The Orangun added that although those who visited the governor remained his subjects, they acted without his approval.
“I don’t know anything about the endorsement. I cannot say those who did it are no longer my people, but what I found disturbing was the use of my name. I did not approve what they did,” he stated.
Oba Oyedotun also dismissed suggestions that Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi had lost the support of the palace following his political move, describing the lawmaker representing Osun Central Senatorial District as a valued son of Ila-Orangun who continues to enjoy his goodwill.
The monarch reiterated his commitment to working with every elected public office holder, regardless of political affiliation, provided such efforts would contribute to the growth and development of Ila-Orangun and its people.
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