A lawyer, Damilare Adenola, has warned the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, against attempting to stop presidential candidates from campaigning in Osun State ahead of the 2027 general election.
Adenola described the monarch’s declaration that only President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to campaign in the state as unconstitutional and legally unenforceable.
The lawyer, in a statement dated August 9, 2026, said the declaration could affect presidential hopefuls, including African Democratic Congress candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, African Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
He argued that no traditional ruler had the constitutional authority to prevent political candidates from campaigning anywhere in Nigeria.
Adenola said Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteed freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, movement and freedom from discrimination.
He maintained that even the President or a court could not arbitrarily stop a candidate from campaigning without a lawful order made after due process.
According to him, the powers of a traditional ruler are largely confined to cultural and customary matters within his domain and do not extend to regulating political campaigns.
Adenola also cited Section 99 of the Electoral Act 2026, saying the law prohibits the use of state apparatus to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate.
He stressed that campaign activities were subject to the electoral framework and regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission, not the directives of a monarch.
The lawyer therefore called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that all presidential candidates were allowed to campaign freely across Osun State.
He said Obi, Atiku, Sowore, Makinde and other candidates remained legally entitled to campaign in the state and urged the authorities to prevent any attempt to hinder their activities.
The controversy erupted after the Oluwo declared his support for Tinubu during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road by the President at Aje International Market, Osogbo.
The monarch said no one should bring another presidential candidate to campaign in his palace or Osun State.
He also expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure another term in 2027 and urged residents to support the President.
But Adenola argued that the monarch’s political preference could not override the constitutional rights of other candidates and voters.
He urged INEC and security agencies to ensure that political activities in Osun were conducted in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
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