Oba Wahab Oyedotun, the Orangun of Ila in Osun State, has explicitly dismissed reports suggesting he backed a candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race. He maintains a stance of strict political impartiality. This statement emerged after the Osun State Government asserted that a group of local chiefs had visited Governor Ademola Adeleke to promise their support for his second term, supposedly acting on behalf of the monarch.
Addressing the issue from his palace, Oba Oyedotun explained that he cannot align with any single party because his community includes members from diverse political backgrounds. He emphasized that his focus lies entirely on the progress of Ila-Orangun rather than aligning with partisan agendas. The king encouraged other traditional leaders in Yorubaland to stay clear of political polarization, pointing out that their subjects exist across all party lines.
Although the monarch recognized that those who made the endorsement are part of his domain, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with the unauthorized use of his title. He clarified that he never sanctioned or permitted any such declaration. He noted that he found the misuse of his name to be particularly troubling.
