The Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, has distanced himself from claims that he endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, insisting he remains politically neutral ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The monarch made the clarification at his palace in Ila-Orangun following a statement issued by the Osun State Government claiming that a delegation of Ila-Orangun chiefs visited Governor Adeleke and pledged support for his re-election on behalf of the traditional ruler and the people of the community.
Rejecting the claim, Oba Oyedotun said he could not publicly support any political party because his subjects belong to different political affiliations.
According to him, his responsibility as a traditional ruler is to serve all members of the community without political bias, stressing that his priority remains the growth and development of Ila-Orangun.
“I could not favour any political party because many of my subjects belong to different political groups,” the monarch said.
Oba Oyedotun also urged traditional rulers across Yorubaland to remain above partisan politics, noting that politicians from different political parties are all subjects of traditional institutions and often maintain cordial relationships despite political rivalries.
While acknowledging that those who reportedly visited Governor Adeleke were members of the Ila-Orangun community, the royal father expressed displeasure over the inclusion of his name in the endorsement.
He maintained that he neither authorised nor approved any declaration of support for any governorship candidate.
“What I found disturbing is the way they dropped my name,” the monarch said.
The Orangun reiterated his commitment to political neutrality, urging all political actors to focus on peaceful campaigns and the development of Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.