You Can’t Bar Obi, Atiku From Campaigning in Osun, Lawyer Tells Oluwo

A lawyer, Damilare Adenola, has faulted the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, over his declaration that no presidential candidate should campaign in Osun State ahead of the 2027 general election except President Bola Tinubu.

Adenola described the monarch’s position as unconstitutional, arguing that traditional rulers have no legal authority to restrict political candidates from exercising their rights to campaign across the country.

In a statement dated August 9, 2026, the lawyer said the declaration could effectively prevent presidential candidates, including African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore and other contenders from campaigning in Osun.

He said such a restriction could not be legally enforced, regardless of the position or influence of the person making the declaration.

Adenola cited Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, movement and freedom from discrimination.

“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,” Adenola said.

He argued that no individual, regardless of status, could lawfully prevent political candidates from campaigning in any part of Nigeria without due legal process.

“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,” he said.

The lawyer further argued that a traditional ruler’s authority is primarily limited to cultural and customary matters within his domain and does not extend to regulating political campaigns.

Adenola also cited Section 99 of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said regulates political campaigns and prohibits the use of state apparatus to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

According to him, the Electoral Act places campaign regulation within the relevant electoral framework, particularly under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rather than traditional institutions.

He therefore called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that all presidential candidates are allowed to 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,” Adenola said.

The controversy followed comments by the Oluwo during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road by President Tinubu at Aje International Market in Osogbo.

The monarch, who expressed strong support for Tinubu, said no other presidential candidate should be promoted or brought to his palace or Osun State for campaign.

“No one should promote or bring another presidential candidate for campaign in my palace and Osun State,” the monarch said.

The Oluwo also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances of securing another term and urged residents to support the President.

Adenola, however, maintained that support for a particular candidate could not override the constitutional rights of other candidates and voters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 election.