The Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, has denied endorsing any candidate ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, insisting that he remains politically neutral.
The monarch made the clarification following a statement by the Osun State Government claiming that a delegation of Ila-Orangun chiefs visited Governor Ademola Adeleke and pledged support for his re-election on behalf of the traditional ruler and the community.
Speaking at his palace in Ila-Orangun, Oba Oyedotun said he could not favour any political party because many of his subjects belong to different political groups.
“I could not favour any political party because many of my subjects belong to different political groups,” the monarch said.
He stressed that his primary concern is the development of Ila-Orangun rather than partisan politics.
The traditional ruler also urged monarchs across Yorubaland to avoid political divisions, noting that politicians from different parties remain their subjects and often maintain cordial relationships despite political differences.
While acknowledging that those who visited Governor Adeleke are members of his community, Oba Oyedotun said he was uncomfortable with the use of his name in the endorsement.
He maintained that he neither authorised nor approved any endorsement of any candidate.
“What I found disturbing is the way they dropped my name,” he added.
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