- reaffirms Tinubu’s 2027 Victory in Osun
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu over the continued withholding of Osun State’s local government allocations.
He said that traditional rulers across the state may personally take their fatherly appeal directly to the President in Abuja if the matter remains unresolved.
Speaking at the Osun Sacred Grove during the ongoing Osun-Osogbo Festival, the royal father broke his silence on the lingering LG fund impasse, revealing that several concerned monarchs have approached him over what they termed “a deliberate economic strangulation” of Osun State.
Oba Olanipekun, a highly respected monarch and cultural figure, said while he shares their concern, he has chosen restraint out of respect for protocol and leadership within the state’s Traditional Council.
“I don’t want to be too forward. I expected our leader in the Traditional Council to summon us—traditional rulers across the state—for a unified position.
“We are the fathers of those in government. I’m the father of the SSG and the Governor. Others among us are fathers of the Deputy Governor and the Chief of Staff. We can’t be silent when our people are suffering,” the monarch declared.
The Ataoja hinted that if a united royal delegation proceeds to Abuja, he would personally champion the cause, saying:
“If we get there, I know what to say. Osun cannot be relegated to the background. This injustice must stop.”
Referencing his earlier spiritual proclamation during the revered “16-eyed-lantern” traditional event, the Ataoja reaffirmed his political loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the goddess of Osun has already chosen him to win the state in 2027.
“At that event, I declared that the Osun goddess has adopted Tinubu and will deliver Osun for him in 2027. There is no need to be afraid,” he said confidently.
But he issued a caveat to political leaders and advisers close to the President.
“Those of you close to him must speak the truth. Tell him to intervene immediately and ensure Osun’s LG funds are released. When it is time for elections, just call on me—I will deliver Osun.”
His remarks are coming amid growing public outrage over the prolonged suspension of local government allocations allegedly withheld by federal authorities following controversies over state-local government financial autonomy.
Political watchers say the Ataoja’s bold stance may trigger a broader intervention by Yoruba traditional rulers, with implications for federal-state relations and electoral dynamics ahead of 2027.
The Ataoja’s statement marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over fiscal federalism and the autonomy of local governments, especially in the Southwest.
As one of the most influential voices in Osun and a custodian of centuries-old tradition, Oba Olanipekun’s voice now adds spiritual, cultural, and moral weight to what is fast becoming a political flashpoint.
