‘Stay out of politics, preserve your respect’ – Group urges Kwara South traditional rulers

A Kwara-based pro-democracy group, The Peoples Voice Advocacy Network (PVAN) has condemned the participation of certain traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District in a recent summit, predominantly organised and attended by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to declare support for a power shift to Kwara North in the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election.

A statement by PVAN Deputy Secretary, Engr. Abdulraheem Kehinde said “the action of the monarchs not only raises questions about their impartiality but also undermines the revered role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture, unity, and peace within their communities.”

The group noted that traditional rulers, by their esteemed position, were expected to remain neutral and above partisan politics, stressing that they must not take sides in contestable matters like politics and elections. It added that it was despicable and shameful for certain monarchs to have attended the purported Kwara South summit that was covertly organised by members of the ruling APC.

“Their involvement in this clearly political gathering sends a troubling message and risks eroding the trust and respect they command from their subjects across party lines. Their declaration that the whole of Kwara South supports the 2027 Kwara North agenda could be seen as an utter disregard for the feelings of their subjects who belong to varied political school of thought.

“Participating in an event that lacks broad representation of Kwara South’s diverse political and social interests compromises the integrity of the royal father and detracts from their primary responsibility of ensuring the welfare, security, and development of their communities,” the group said.

PVAN lamented that there were more pressing issues deserving of the attention of the traditional rulers and other stakeholders who attended last week’s summit on Kwara North agenda.

“It is even more disheartening that these traditional rulers and stakeholders have chosen to focus on political calculations over addressing the urgent issues facing Kwara South. Today, the region remains the most affected by insecurity, with rampant kidnappings and a general decline in public safety. Yet, we have not seen these monarchs or other stakeholders convening a summit to demand improved security or enhanced governance from the incumbent administration.”

The pro-democracy group stated that it was even too early to engage is discussions on 2027 governorship election when the incumbent governor had barely spent one and half years of his 4-year term, noting that such discussions could cause distraction for him.

“With over two years left until the next election, it is both premature and inappropriate for any group to engage in politicking while pressing governance challenges remain unresolved.”

PVAN further averred that by prematurely endorsing the Kwara North 2027 agenda, the traditional rulers had inadvertently shut the door on potential gubernatorial aspirants from their own senatorial district. The group cautioned the royal fathers against acting like they have sovereign power to deprive their own sons and daughters from seeking the governorship seat in 2027.

“We urge the traditional rulers in Kwara South and across the state to leave political games for politicians and not rent themselves to self-serving politicians to carry out political assignments. Monarchs should rather redirect their attention and energy toward advocating for the welfare of their people. They should work with their constituents to demand accountability, better security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These are the pressing issues that demand attention, not who will become the next governor of Kwara State,” PVAN said.

“Finally, PVAN calls on politicians in the state, particularly those who are currently in office to refrain from dragging traditional rulers into partisan politics and power tussle. The involvement of monarchs in politics under any guise is an aberration and desecration of our revered traditional institutions.

“To maintain peace and stability, royal fathers must stay above sectarian and political divides. The nobility and neutrality of our traditional institutions must be preserved to ensure they continue to function as credible pillars of our communities.

“We equally caution against the use of public funds by political office holders to promote partisan interests. We call on patriotic stakeholders and other well-meaning Kwarans to remain focused on accountability, good governance, and the welfare of the masses. Let us unite to ensure that the voices of the people are not overshadowed by the political ambitions of a few.”