A lawyer, Damilare Adenola, has faulted the declaration by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, that no presidential candidate should campaign in Osun State ahead of the 2027 general election except President Bola Tinubu.

Adenola described the monarch’s declaration as unconstitutional, arguing that the rights of political candidates to campaign across the country could not be restricted by a traditional ruler.

The lawyer, in a statement dated August 9, 2026, obtained by our correspondent, said the declaration effectively sought to prevent presidential candidates, including African Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore, African Democratic Congress candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, from campaigning in the state.

He said such a restriction could not be legally enforced.

According to him, Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee citizens rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, movement and freedom from discrimination.

Adenola said, “The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, recently declared at a public function that no presidential candidate should campaign in Osun State ahead of the 2027 election except President Bola Tinubu, effectively barring candidates such as Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), Peter Obi (NDC), and Governor Seyi Makinde (APM). This is unconstitutional and cannot stand.”

He argued that no individual, regardless of position, could lawfully deny political candidates their constitutional rights to campaign in any part of Nigeria.

“Not even the President or a court can arbitrarily bar a candidate from campaigning anywhere in the country, except by lawful order after due process.

“A traditional ruler, whose authority is limited to cultural and customary matters within his domain, has no such power,” he said.

The lawyer also cited Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits the use of state apparatus to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

He said the provision, alongside Section 99(1), placed the regulation of political campaigns under the relevant electoral framework and not the authority of a traditional ruler.

“Section 99(1), which subjects campaigns to rules made by INEC, reinforces the point: it is INEC, not a monarch, that regulates how and where candidates campaign,” Adenola said.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure that all presidential candidates are allowed to campaign freely in Osun State.

“Sowore, Atiku, Obi, Makinde and every other candidate remain free, as of right, to campaign in Osun State and everywhere else in Nigeria. I call on INEC and security agencies to guarantee this without hindrance,” he said.

The controversy followed a declaration by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road by President Tinubu at Aje International Market, Osogbo.

The monarch expressed strong support for Tinubu and declared that other presidential candidates should not be allowed to campaign in his palace or Osun State.

The monarch said, “No one should promote or bring another presidential candidate for campaign in my palace and Osun State.”

The Oluwo also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances of securing another term in office, urging residents to support the President.

The declaration was made against the backdrop of the 2027 presidential election, with several political figures expected to seek support across states as political activities intensify.

Adenola, however, maintained that political affiliation or support for a particular candidate could not override the constitutional rights of other candidates and voters.

The lawyer urged relevant authorities to ensure that political activities in the state were conducted in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Act.