Top figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Iree community of Osun State have publicly rejected the recent endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.

The endorsement was given by the local traditional ruler, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, during a recent visit to the state capital. Party leaders quickly declared that the monarch’s political stance does not reflect the actual voting intentions of the town’s residents.

The APC stakeholders expressed strong disapproval, stating that traditional rulers are supposed to remain neutral and stay out of partisan political contests.

They argued that using a royal title to back a candidate from a rival party disrespects the large number of APC supporters living in the area. The group made it clear that the endorsement was merely a personal choice by the monarch and a few individuals, not a town-wide decision.

Furthermore, the opposition leaders claimed that the state government has completely neglected their local government area when it comes to infrastructure and development. They insisted that a royal endorsement cannot cover up the lack of meaningful projects under the current administration.

According to the party leaders, local residents are far more concerned with real economic progress than political media events.

Reaffirming their commitment, the Osun APC leaders assured members that the party remains fully united and focused on winning the next governorship election. They called on their grassroots supporters to ignore the monarch’s statement and remain dedicated to the party’s goals. The stakeholders promised to intensify their community mobilization efforts across all local wards.

This political dispute underscores the rising tension between traditional institutions and local political parties as the next election season approaches. While the administration continues to seek endorsements from royal fathers, the opposition is determined to fight for support directly on the ground. The APC leaders concluded by warning that traditional rulers risk damaging the respect of their thrones when they dive into party politics.

Photo credit: Osun defender