Oluwo cannot stop Obi, Atiku from campaigning in Osun, lawyer says

A lawyer, Damilare Adenola, has challenged the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi. The monarch said no presidential candidate should campaign in Osun State for the 2027 elections except President Bola Tinubu.

Adenola called the Oluwo's statement unconstitutional. He argued that traditional rulers cannot stop political candidates from campaigning across Nigeria.

In a statement dated August 9, 2026, Adenola said this declaration aims to block candidates like Omoyele Sowore from the African Action Congress, Atiku Abubakar from the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi from the Labour Party, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde from campaigning in Osun State.

He noted that such a ban cannot be enforced legally.

Adenola pointed out that Sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee citizens the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, movement, and freedom from discrimination.

Adenola said, "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, effectively barring candidates such as Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), Peter Obi (NDC), and Governor Seyi Makinde (APM). This is unconstitutional and cannot stand."

He stressed that no one, no matter their position, can legally deny political candidates their right to campaign anywhere in Nigeria.

"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 mentioned Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. This section stops the use of state resources to favor or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

He explained that this provision, along with Section 99(1), makes it clear that political campaigns are under the electoral framework and not under a traditional ruler's authority.

"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 stated.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to make sure all presidential candidates can campaign freely in Osun State.

"Sowore, Atiku, Obi, Makinde, and every other candidate remain free, as of right, to campaign in Osun State and everywhere else in Nigeria. I call on INEC and security agencies to guarantee this without hindrance," he said.

This argument comes after Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, made his declaration during the flag-off of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road reconstruction by President Tinubu at Aje International Market, Osogbo.

The monarch showed strong support for Tinubu and said other presidential candidates should not be allowed to campaign in his palace or Osun State.

The Oluwo said, "No one should promote or bring another presidential candidate for campaign in my palace and Osun State."

He also expressed confidence in Tinubu's chances of winning another term, asking residents to support the President.

The declaration came as the 2027 presidential election approaches, with many political figures expected to seek support across states as political activities heat up.

Adenola insisted that supporting a particular candidate cannot override the constitutional rights of other candidates and voters.

He called on relevant authorities to ensure political activities in the state follow the Constitution and Electoral Act.