A sociopolitical group, Oroki United Front, has cautioned the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, against reducing the Ataoja stool to a partisan platform, urging him to remain apolitical and act as a father to all.
The group made the call in a statement issued by its Coordinator, Abass Jayeola, on Friday in Osogbo.
Jayeola said the group had been informed of a directive by the Ataoja for the Olurokis to hold a meeting with the Accord Party campaign council at the palace.
He stated that the meeting was reportedly convened with a single agenda titled, “Existing Understanding Between the Accord Party and Osogboland and Any Other Relevant Matters.”
According to him, as indigenes committed to the growth and development of Osogbo, the group expects the Ataoja to steer clear of politics and emulate other traditional rulers in the state—such as the Ooni of Ife, Orangun of Ila, Oluwo of Iwo and Ogiyan of Ejigbo—who maintain neutrality and serve as unifying figures.
“We do not want to see the Ataoja stool reduced to that of a political party senatorial leader,” he said.
Jayeola alleged that, as in 2022, the Ataoja had again become involved in partisan politics.
He maintained that the palace should remain a unifying institution open to all, rather than a venue for partisan engagements, and should serve as a platform to address the welfare and development of Osogbo indigenes irrespective of political or religious affiliation.
“We reject any attempt to reduce our traditional institution to partisan politics. The Ataoja must remain a true custodian of tradition.
“Our ancestors are watching, and posterity will judge our actions. Osogbo is not for sale,” hesogbo is not for sale,” he
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