A group of Osogbo indigenes, Oroki United Front, has called on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, to remain neutral and avoid dragging the traditional stool into partisan politics.

In a press statement signed by its Coordinator, Abass Jayeola, and made available on Thursday, the group opposed a reported directive from the palace asking the Olurokis to meet with the Accord Party Campaign Council at the Ataoja’s Palace. The agenda of the meeting was tagged, “Existing understanding between the ACCORD party and Osogboland and any other relevant matters.”

The group said the Ataoja should emulate other top traditional rulers in the state, including the Ooni of Ife, Orangun of Ila, Oluwo of Iwo, and Ogiyan of Ejigbo, who it described as “fathers to all” irrespective of political affiliation.

“The palace should be home for everyone, not an avenue to hold political party meetings, but an abode where the growth, development and well-being of every Osogbo indigene is adequately discussed,” the statement read.

Oroki United Front also referenced a 2022 incident involving the monarch, stating that “Oba Oyetunji’s charade about an alleged political assassination attempt, which later turned out to be a lie as proven by the Police, is a big minus… for the Ataoja’s stool.” It urged the palace to avoid a repeat to protect the integrity of the stool.

Citing the Ooni of Ife as an example, the group noted that the Ooni received both the APC and Accord campaign councils and displayed a fatherly role to both sides. It said it would prefer the Ataoja to host all parties and raise issues bordering on Osogbo’s development rather than “selling the town for personal gain.”

The group further charged the Baales, heads of compounds, youth leaders, and town fora billed to attend the meeting to remain apolitical and “probe those politicians critically.”

“OSOGBO IS NOT FOR SALE. We are watching you. Our ancestors are also watching you,” the statement warned.

It urged the Ataoja to use any engagement with politicians to question unfulfilled pledges by the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration and to raise concerns about infrastructural development, alleged boundary issues with Ede, and what it called an “expansionist agenda against Osogbo.”

“If these critical issues are not raised, then the Ataoja will not be seen to speak for Osogbo but himself and only himself,” Jayeola said.

The group concluded that “the gods of Osun-Osogbo are watching” and that the roles of all attendees would be “documented in history.”