Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, the Timi of Ede, addressed reports regarding his absence during a recent campaign visit by Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate. The monarch stated that rather than offering blessings, he would have placed a curse on the party members due to their use of the slogan E Pana Ede, which translates to Off Ede Light.
The absence of the traditional ruler sparked online criticism, with supporters of the APC claiming that the monarch displayed bias by failing to receive the candidate. Social media users suggested the king acted out of favoritism toward the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who hails from Ede. Some critics argued that a monarch should maintain neutrality and act as a father figure to all political candidates regardless of their party affiliation.
Conversely, Alhaji Gbedebo Ajao of the Osun State APC Elders Caucus clarified that the monarch was away on official business in Ile-Ife to visit the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, following a family bereavement. Ajao noted that the council was aware of this engagement and had been asked to reschedule the visit.
Despite the explanation from the APC caucus, the Timi asserted that he had been anticipating the visit specifically to confront the delegation regarding the disparaging campaign slogan. The phrase E Pana Ede and the corresponding support for Ikire have caused tension leading up to the upcoming election.
