Orangun of Ila-Orangun Denies Endorsing Governor Adeleke for Second Term

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

Orangun of Ila-Orangun Denies Endorsing Governor Adeleke for Second Term

Palace distances itself from unauthorised political visit, warns politicians against dragging traditional institutions into partisan politics

ILA-ORANGUN, Nigeria – The Orangun of Ila-Orangun, Oba Abdulwahab Kayode Adedotun Bibire II, has firmly distanced himself and his throne from claims that he endorsed Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in the upcoming 2026 governorship election.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by the High Chiefs of Ila-Orangun — including the Elemo, Ejemu, Odode, Osolo, and Ode Ilu Ila — the palace declared that the monarch remains neutral and non-partisan, describing reports linking him to the governor’s re-election bid as false and misleading. The clarification comes just days after the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, released a statement claiming that a delegation of chiefs, led by the Obalotun of Ila-Orangun, Chief Douglas Oyinlola, had visited Governor Adeleke on behalf of the monarch and pledged the community’s support for his second-term ambition. But the palace has now set the record straight, insisting that the delegation acted without the knowledge, authorisation, or approval of the traditional ruler.

According to the palace statement, Oba Adedotun neither authorised nor directed any group or individual to represent him before the governor. The monarch also made it clear that the palace was not consulted or informed about the visit prior to its occurrence. “Those who participated in the visit did so in their personal capacities, and their actions should not be interpreted as the position of the traditional institution or the people of Ila-Orangun,” the statement read in part. The palace further stressed that while chiefs and traditional titleholders are entitled to express their personal political views, they must not invoke the monarch’s name without his express approval.

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Oba Adedotun, who has consistently maintained that his role is to serve all subjects regardless of their political affiliations, cautioned politicians against involving traditional institutions in partisan activities capable of creating unnecessary political tension in the state. The monarch reaffirmed that his focus remains on the development, peace, and unity of his domain, not the advancement of any political party or candidate. “I am after the development of my domain. I am not involved in politics. What I found disturbing is the way they dropped my name without my consent,” the Orangun was quoted as saying. He called on all political actors and their supporters to remain peaceful, avoid violence, and place the unity and development of Osun State above partisan interests.

The palace has also revealed that appropriate internal measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of such unauthorised use of the monarch’s name. While the statement did not specify the nature of these measures, it made it clear that the traditional institution would not tolerate further attempts to drag the throne into partisan politics.

In a related development, a socio-cultural group, the Igbomina Touch Bearers, has condemned the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, for releasing what they described as a “false and misleading” statement capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state. The group alleged that the chiefs who visited the governor are openly affiliated with political parties and lacked the moral authority to speak for the traditional institution or the people of Ila-Orangun.

While distancing himself from the political endorsement, the Orangun acknowledged the Osun State Government for completing and commissioning a road project in the community. However, the palace also commended Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, representing Osun Central Senatorial District, for facilitating developmental projects in Ila-Orangun. These include advocacy for the dualisation of a major road, the approval of a 132kVA/60MVA power substation, and the establishment of the Ajagunla Radio Station.

With the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, political activities are intensifying across the state. The controversy surrounding the Orangun’s alleged endorsement highlights the growing pressure on traditional rulers to take sides, even as many of them strive to maintain neutrality. This is not the first time the Orangun has had to assert his independence. In a recent encounter with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, the monarch reportedly offered prayers and blessings, telling the candidate, “God will answer AMBO and make it possible for him to become the Governor of Osun.” However, palace sources insist that such prayers are customary and should not be misconstrued as political endorsements.