The Integrity Group of Nigeria (IGN), Osun State Chapter, has appealed to His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo, to preserve the sanctity of the throne by steering clear of partisan politics.
In a statement jointly signed by Mr. Omole Olusegun, National Vice Chairman (Southwest), and Comrade Salam Mustapha, Osun State Chairman, the group stressed that the Ataoja remains a father to all, a custodian of culture, and a unifying figure whose influence should not be drawn into political disputes.
The caution follows comments reportedly made by the monarch during the grand finale of the Osun Osogbo Festival, where he was said to have appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the release of Local Government funds.
The group warned that such remarks could be misinterpreted as aligning the palace with the political narrative of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
The legal battle over local government administration in Osun is before the courts. The Constitution is clear, President Tinubu is not the Supreme Court and can not, by mere discretion, override ongoing judicial processes. The final say rests with the judiciary,” the statement read.
Referencing history, the group noted that while former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s illegal withholding of Lagos State allocations drew widespread condemnation, the Osun case differs significantly. They pointed to the Appeal Court judgment of February 10, which reinstated the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government officers, insisting that allocations must go to the legally recognized authorities, not as political patronage to the state government.
The statement also accused the Adeleke-led PDP administration of using the LG funds dispute as a smokescreen for poor governance.
Roads are half-completed, salaries politicized, and grassroots projects abandoned. No amount of royal endorsement can whitewash administrative mediocrity,” it said.
The group emphasized that electoral victory in 2027 will depend on tangible achievements by President Tinubu’s government, not political theatrics or bending of constitutional principles.
Let it be clear: millions of votes in 2027 will not be earned by bending the law or pandering to political pressure. They will be earned by the good works of Mr. President. Nigerians will reward the Renewed Hope Agenda if it delivers prosperity, security, infrastructure, and justice across the board. That is the surest path to victory, not the temptation to play to the gallery for partisan applause.”
The people of Osun deserve truth, not political theatre. Let the courts finish their work. Let the state government face its responsibilities. And let President Tinubu continue his reforms without being dragged into local partisan brawls. Our fathers on the throne should guide all subjects equally, not echo the talking points of politicians desperate for validation.”
