A public affairs advocate, Adebayo Razaq Olatunji, has dismissed allegations linking any political actor, including Adewoye, to the recent advocacy by traditional rulers in Kwara South for greater equity in political representation, describing such claims as false, malicious, and misleading.
In a statement signed and made available to journalists, Olatunji said attempts to portray the position of the Igbomina Traditional Council and other monarchs as being influenced or sponsored by political interests were unfounded and disrespectful to the traditional institution. He particularly rejected allegations that some monarchs were induced with ₦100,000 each to support a position on equity and political inclusion, insisting that no evidence had been provided to support the claims.
According to him, attributing the agitation of traditional rulers to the influence of any individual political actor undermines the credibility, integrity, and independence of revered royal fathers who are entitled to express views on matters affecting their communities.
He argued that it was insulting to suggest that monarchs of such stature and accomplishment could be persuaded to compromise their integrity for a relatively small sum, noting that many of the traditional rulers involved had distinguished records of achievement before ascending their respective thrones.
Olatunji maintained that while political stakeholders are free to hold differing opinions on issues of representation and power sharing, dragging respected traditional rulers into partisan disputes simply because they advocated for what they believe is fairness and equity was unacceptable.
He further stated that the position advanced by the monarchs should be engaged on its merits rather than dismissed through what he described as baseless allegations of inducement. According to him, disagreement over political issues should not result in attacks on traditional institutions or attempts to discredit royal fathers.
The statement also questioned repeated claims that an aspirant, Muheeba Dankaka, secured a margin of 74,000 votes in a previous political exercise, arguing that details of the exercise had not been sufficiently subjected to public scrutiny. Olatunji said such assertions deserved transparent clarification rather than what he described as propaganda and media grandstanding.
He emphasized that democracy thrives on facts, accountability, and transparency, adding that public discourse should be guided by evidence rather than unverifiable claims.
Olatunji maintained that the agitation by the Igbomina Traditional Council is fundamentally rooted in demands for equity, fairness, inclusion, justice, and political stability in Kwara South Senatorial District. He added that while people may legitimately disagree on the issue, such disagreements should not be used to undermine the traditional institution.
He called for respect for traditional rulers, civility in public discourse, and a commitment to truth as discussions on the future political direction of Kwara South continue.
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