The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress and the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji are currently trading words over purported directive to non indigenes in the Osogbo to vote only candidates of the People’s Democratic Party in the forthcoming elections.
Chairman of the APC, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal in a statement on Saturday accused the monarch of summoning a meeting with leaders of the non-indigenes in the capital city, where he allegedly directed them to vote against the APC candidates in the forthcoming national and state assemblies polls.
Lawal said Ebira, Hausa and Fulani leaders were among those present, while head of Igbo turned down the invitation by the monarch.
“The monarch was said to have stated that he wasn’t surprised at the absence of the Igbo leader as it has become his habit to refuse his past directives.
“It was also gathered that the Ataoja who knew that the order he was dishing out was both illegal and undemocratic directed those who attended the meeting to switch off their telephones in order for the video and audio versions of the meeting not to be captured.
“It is on record that the monarch has never hidden his dislike for the APC as he celebrated the loss of the party as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on July 17, 2022.”
The APC Chairman disclosed that the directive handed down by the Ataoja to the non-natives living in Osogbo at the said meeting breached their fundamental right of association.
He implored the affected non-indigenes to resist all illegal directives that might be coming from any quarters that infringe on any of their fundamental human rights.
Reacting to the allegations, the Oba Oyetunji in a statement by his wife, Kafayat Oyetunji described the directive as not illegal but one seeking to promote unity and peace among residents of Osogbo land.
The monarch said taking the resolution to the media was an attempt to blackmail him by some politicians in Osogbo.
The statement by Oyetunji reads, “It is pertinent to note that the Ataoja of Osogbo is a respected traditional ruler who has always acted in the best interest of his people. The recent statement by the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing the Ataoja of issuing an illegal directive to non-indigenes on the general elections is not only false, but it also seeks to discredit the Ataoja and dent his reputation as a father to all irrespective of political leanings.
“The Ataoja of Osogbo has never been known to engage in any political activity that would breach the constitutional roles of his office. The directive given to some non-indigenes was in no way illegal or undemocratic as portrayed by some politicians. The Ataoja, in his capacity as the traditional ruler of Osogbo, has always sought to promote peace and unity among the people living in Osogbo, and the recent directive was aimed at maintaining that peace.
“It is imperative for politicians in Osun State to desist from using the revered office of the Ataoja for their political gains. The Ataoja’s position as a monarch should not be taken for granted, and his role as a mediator and peacekeeper should be respected by all. The Ataoja should not be used as a political tool for settling scores and advancing personal interests.”
