Osun election: Monarch denies endorsing governorship candidate

The Orangun of Ila-Orangun, Oba Abdulwahab Adedotun, has distanced himself from the purported endorsement of governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun state.

He maintained that the palace remains neutral and non-partisan, insisting that the purported endorsement is null and void, and any claims to the contrary are false and misleading.

The state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public, Kolapo Alimi, claimed that some Cheifs led by Douglas Oyinlola, the Obalotun of Ila-Orangun, visited governor Adeleke on behalf of Oba Adedotun and endorsed the governor for second term.

But, in a statement, Monday, the High Chiefs Elemo, Ejemu, Odode, Osolo and Ode ilu Ila, claimed the purported delegation acted without the knowledge or sanction of the throne.

“The attention of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwahab Kayode Adedotun Bibire II, the Orangun of Ila-Orangun, has been drawn to a press release circulated by the Osun State Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, dated 18th July, 2026, which claimed that high chiefs of Ila-Orangun, acting on the instruction of the Kabiyesi, paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke and pledged the support of the Ila people for his second-term bid.

“Kabiyesi categorically dissociates himself, the sacred stool of Orangun, and the entire people of Ila-Orangun from the said visit and endorsement.

“His Royal Majesty confirmed that he never sent any delegation to the Governor. The palace was neither consulted nor informed of the visit. Kabiyesi expressed surprise upon learning of the news, stating that the delegation acted without the knowledge or sanction of the throne.

Kabiyesi insists that the chiefs and individuals who partook in the visit did so purely out of their personal interests and were most likely induced by politicians, noting that their actions do not reflect the position of the palace or the majority of the people of Ila-Orangun.

The monarch warned that the actions of the delegates could be misrepresented as the position of the entire Ila kingdom, which they are not. He cautioned politicians against using traditional institutions to stoke unnecessary violence and political tension in the state.

While acknowledging that chiefs have the liberty to speak on certain matters, Kabiyesi emphasized that they must never use his name abysmally or in matters where they have not been expressly sanctioned. He noted that necessary corrective measures are already being taken privately to deter future occurrences.

The monarch described the Senator representing Osun Central, Olubiyi Fadeyi, as a worthy son and an illustrious leader of Ila-Orangun for several landmark developmental projects initiated and facilitated by him.

Noting that the Senator initiated and advocated for the dualization of the newly constructed road in Ila-Orangun – a project that the Osun State Government later executed, Kabiyesi commended the Senator’s developmental foresight and commitment to the progress of the town.

The monarch acknowledged the Senator’s role in facilitating the approval of the new 132kVA / 60MVA substation by Mr. President, and establishment of Ajagunla Radio Station, saying that the visible legacies speak volumes about the Senator’s dedication to the welfare and progress of his people.

Kabiesi thanked Governor Adeleke for completing and commissioning the project, as due credit must be given to the state government for its execution.

The monarch urged politicians and their supporters to remain calm, eschew violence, and prioritise the growth and unity of Osun above partisan interests.