Oluwo Bars Atiku, Obi, Makinde and Sowore from Campaigning in Osun
Osogbo/Iwo, Osun State – August 8, 2026 — The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has declared that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be permitted to campaign in Osun State ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a Facebook post accompanied by a video, the monarch stated that presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi; the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; as well as other contenders, including Omoyele Sowore, should not step into Osun for campaigns.
“No presidential candidate should come to Osun State for presidential campaign except Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Oba Akanbi wrote.
Declaration During Road Project Flag-Off
The monarch made the pronouncement on Thursday during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road.
He praised President Tinubu for what he described as “unprecedented achievements,” particularly the approval of the road project, which he said would ease the suffering of Osun residents and boost commerce linking Osun, Oyo and Ogun states.
Oba Akanbi urged other political leaders to support the current administration rather than engage in early politicking and called on residents along the road corridor to cooperate with contractors for timely completion.
Public Reactions and Constitutional Questions
The statement has drawn mixed reactions online and among political observers. Supporters of the monarch view it as an expression of loyalty to the President and appreciation for federal projects in the area.
Critics, however, argue that no traditional ruler has the constitutional authority to restrict any Nigerian from campaigning in any part of the country.
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, all duly nominated candidates enjoy the right to canvass for votes nationwide. Several social media users and commentators have pointed out that such declarations risk undermining democratic norms and free political association.
The Oluwo of Iwo has previously issued similar palace-related bans, including restricting a serving federal lawmaker from entering his palace earlier in 2026 over alleged neglect of traditional institutions, a matter that was later resolved.
As the 2027 presidential race gathers momentum, with multiple opposition figures already confirmed on the preliminary INEC list, the monarch’s stance highlights the intersection of traditional authority and partisan politics in the South-West.
Whether the declaration remains symbolic or influences actual campaign access in Osun will be closely watched in the months ahead.
politics Adebayo Challenges Tinubu: Where Is Subsidy Money? Come Out and Account for It
politics NDC Wins Logo Battle as Abuja Court Orders INEC to Use Modified Design
news Atiku Exposes Tinubu’s FAAC Scam: Bigger Naira, Poorer Nigerians
news Police Arrest Hafsat Abubakar Over Fake Fintech Shutdown Document Circulated Online
politics Sowore Declares Peter Obi Yelwata Blockade Government-Sponsored Political Attack
How do you feel about this news?
Community Additions
Have a news tip, correction, or extra context about this story? Post it below instantly. All submissions appear live on this screen immediately.