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By Sola Rotimi
A socio- cultural group, the Kwara South Progressive Movement, has cautioned traditional rulers in the Igbomina-speaking block of Kwara South Senatorial District against what it described as involvement in partisan political matters, particularly the ongoing debate surrounding zoning arrangements ahead of future elections.
The group made its position known at a news conference in reaction to a recent one by some Igbomina royal fathers, led by the Olupo of Ajasse-Ipo, Oba Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, where the issue of zoning was reportedly raised as a key consideration in the district’s political calculations.
According to the association, the intervention of the monarchs has generated widespread public debate and raised concerns about the perceived involvement of traditional institutions in political contests.
It noted that politics naturally attracts varying opinions, interests and alignments, especially during election periods, but argued that revered traditional institutions should remain above partisan disputes.
“The public takes exception to dragging hallowed institutions into the murky waters of politics. Traditional rulers are expected to serve as fathers to all and preserve their neutrality in matters capable of dividing the people,” the group emphasised.
It specifically referenced the press conference held on June 1, 2026, by the Igbomina royal fathers, arguing that the position advanced by the monarchs generated more controversy than consensus.
The group challenged the assertion that zoning has historically served as the guiding principle for political representation in Kwara South, describing such a position as inaccurate and unsupported by historical realities.
To support its argument, the group pointed to what it described as the significant political representation enjoyed by the Igbomina people since the return of democratic rule in 1999.
It listed former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who served between 2011 and 2019; former Deputy Governor Chief Joel Ogundeji, who served for eight years; and the incumbent Deputy Governor, Chief Kayode Alabi, as examples of prominent Igbomina political office holders.
It also cited former and current members of the House of Representatives from the district, like Bashiru Oni, Gbenga Makanjuola, late Funke Adedoyin and Raheem Olatunji Olawuyi, popularly known as Ajulo Opin, as evidence that the Igbomina axis has consistently occupied key political positions within the district.
According to the group, these political offices were attained through democratic processes without any widely recognised or documented zoning arrangement.
It further argued that no formal document establishing a binding zoning agreement for political offices in Kwara South has been made public, raising questions about the legitimacy of the claims being advanced in recent discussions.
The group further warned traditional rulers against becoming tools in the hands of politicians pursuing personal ambitions, stressing that political actors are often driven by self-interest and may seek to exploit respected institutions to advance their objectives.
It urged the monarchs to focus their attention on broader issues affecting the people, particularly the worsening security situation across the country.
“At a time when insecurity remains one of the greatest challenges facing communities, traditional rulers should be more concerned about promoting peace, stability and development than participating in debates over a zoning arrangement whose existence remains disputed,” the group added.
While maintaining that any perception of partisanship on the part of traditional rulers could weaken public confidence in the traditional institution and create divisions among the people, the group however, stated that if the monarchs have preferred candidates, they could emerge on the platform of other political parties and not necessarily the APC.
It therefore appealed to the royal fathers to maintain their role as neutral custodians of culture and tradition and to avoid actions capable of undermining their standing as fathers of all communities within the district.
The news conference was attended by representatives of ethnic groups in Kwara South, including Mr. Sunday Owolabi, Chief Richard Olusola, Mr. Gabriel Asaolu, Chief Mrs. Lucy Olaifa, and Prince Jide Aransiola.
