The Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun, has dismissed reports suggesting he endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, insisting he remains politically neutral ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

The monarch made the clarification on Sunday at his palace in Ila-Orangun, stating that he did not authorise anyone to pledge support for any governorship candidate on his behalf.

He explained that his subjects are members of different political parties, making it inappropriate for him to take sides in the contest.

His reaction followed a statement issued by the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, which claimed that a delegation of Ila-Orangun High Chiefs visited Governor Adeleke and conveyed the monarch’s support for the governor’s re-election bid.

The statement also said the delegation distanced the community from the recent defection of Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while expressing appreciation for projects executed by the Adeleke administration, including an ongoing dual carriageway.

Responding to the development, Oba Oyedotun stressed that his priority remains the growth and development of Ila-Orangun rather than partisan politics.

He urged traditional rulers across Yorubaland to remain impartial, noting that politicians, regardless of their party affiliations, are subjects of their respective royal fathers and should not be allowed to create divisions among traditional institutions.

The monarch said although he would not reject those involved in the visit as members of his community, he was displeased that his name was used without his approval to convey political support.

Oba Oyedotun also addressed comments made during the delegation’s meeting with Governor Adeleke concerning Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, maintaining that the lawmaker representing Osun Central Senatorial District remains a respected son of Ila-Orangun and continues to enjoy his support.