A lawyer, Damilare Adenola, has criticised the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, over his declaration that presidential candidates other than President Bola Tinubu should not campaign in Osun State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adenola described the monarch’s position as unconstitutional, arguing that a traditional ruler has no legal authority to prevent political candidates from campaigning in any part of Nigeria.
In a statement dated August 9, 2026, the lawyer said the declaration could affect opposition figures seeking the presidency, including Omoyele Sowore, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
“The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, recently declared at a public function that no presidential candidate should campaign in Osun State ahead of the 2027 election except President Bola Tinubu.
“This is unconstitutional and cannot stand,” Adenola said.
The lawyer cited Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, freedom of movement and protection against discrimination.
According to him, no individual has the authority to arbitrarily prevent a political candidate from campaigning in any part of the country.
“Not even the President or a court can arbitrarily bar a candidate from campaigning anywhere in the country, except by lawful order after due process.
“A traditional ruler, whose authority is limited to cultural and customary matters within his domain, has no such power,” he said.
Adenola also referred to provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that political campaigns are regulated within the electoral framework rather than by traditional institutions.
He cited Section 99(2), which prohibits the use of state apparatus to favour or disadvantage a political party or candidate.
The lawyer further referenced Section 99(1), which he said empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission to regulate campaign activities.
“Section 99(1), which subjects campaigns to rules made by INEC, reinforces the point: it is INEC, not a monarch, that regulates how and where candidates campaign,” Adenola said.
Lawyer Calls for Protection of Political Campaigns
Adenola urged INEC and security agencies to ensure that all presidential candidates are allowed to carry out lawful political activities in Osun State without obstruction.
He maintained that Sowore, Atiku, Obi, Makinde and other presidential candidates have the constitutional right to campaign in Osun and other parts of the country.
“I call on INEC and security agencies to guarantee this without hindrance,” he said.
The lawyer added that support for a particular candidate could not override the constitutional rights of other candidates or voters.
The controversy followed remarks made by the Oluwo during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road at Aje International Market in Osogbo.
The monarch openly declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and said other presidential candidates should not be promoted in his palace or anywhere in Osun State.
“No one should promote or bring another presidential candidate for campaign in my palace and Osun State,” the monarch said.
He also expressed confidence that Tinubu would win another term and urged residents of the state to support the President.
Adenola, however, maintained that political activities in Osun State must be conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.