A socio-political organisation, the Kwara South Progressive Movement (KSPM), has urged traditional rulers in the Igbomina axis of the district to refrain from partisan political engagements, warning that such actions could erode public confidence in the traditional institution.
The group, through its chairman, Sunday Owolabi, on Thursday reacted to a recent press conference by the Chairman of the Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, where he reportedly expressed support for the zoning of the senatorial seat to the Igbominas in 2027.
Owolabi, at a press conference in Ilorin, said: “While political debates and lobbying are legitimate features of democratic governance, traditional rulers are expected to remain above partisan interests and serve as fathers to all groups irrespective of political affiliation.”
According to him, attempts to project zoning as a long-standing political arrangement in Kwara South do not reflect the realities of the district’s political history. He argued that since 1999, the Igbomina axis has produced a considerable number of political office holders and has enjoyed substantial representation in state and federal elective positions.
The group cited former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Deputy Governor Joel Ogundeji, current Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, former members of the House of Representatives Bashiru Oni, Gbenga Makanjuola and Funke Adedoyin, as well as serving lawmaker Raheem Olatunji Olawuyi, as examples of offices occupied by politicians from the area.
Owolabi maintained that there is no known formal document establishing zoning as a binding principle for political offices in the district, adding that electoral contests have historically been determined through democratic processes.
He warned traditional rulers not to dabble into political contests or debates, noting that politicians often seek endorsements that could lend legitimacy to their ambitions. The KSPM chairman further urged royal fathers to channel their influence towards addressing pressing societal concerns, particularly insecurity and other developmental challenges confronting communities in the district and across the country.
While reaffirming the group’s respect for the traditional institution, Owolabi stressed the need for monarchs to maintain neutrality in order to preserve their moral authority and continue serving as unifying figures within society. He urged political stakeholders to pursue their ambitions through democratic means and avoid actions capable of creating divisions among the people of Kwara South.
