Residents of Kwara South senatorial district have raised concern over alleged attempts by political actors to pressure traditional rulers in the area to endorse a governorship aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.

The concern was expressed by members of the Kwara South Mandate Group (KSMG), who described the development as a threat to the neutrality and integrity of the traditional institution.

In a statement by the group’s leader, Chief Olayemi Afolayan, the people warned against dragging traditional rulers into partisan politics, insisting that the traditional stools must remain symbols of unity and cultural heritage.

Afolayan described the alleged move as disrespectful, noting that traditional rulers have long served as custodians of the people’s values, culture and moral authority.

He stressed that monarchs are regarded as fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliations and should not be subjected to any form of coercion or undue influence to support political candidates.

“Our traditional rulers represent the collective dignity of our people and must not be drawn into political contests that could divide the communities they are meant to unite,” he said.

The group expressed worry over what it described as the possible involvement of some state actors in the alleged move, warning that such actions, if true, will undermine democratic principles and weaken the independence of traditional institutions.

It noted that there have been no reports of similar pressure on traditional rulers in other senatorial districts of the state, raising concerns about fairness and equal treatment across regions.

The group, therefore, called on all stakeholders to respect the sanctity of the traditional institution and allow royal fathers to maintain their non-partisan roles.

The group reaffirmed that traditional leadership remains a vital pillar for peace, unity and community cohesion, urging political actors to desist from actions capable of eroding public trust in the institution. (Nigerian Tribune)