Kwara Group Condemns Pressure on Monarchs for Endorsement

The Kwara South Mandate Group, led by Chief Olayemi Afolayan, issued a statement condemning alleged attempts to pressure traditional rulers in Kwara South to endorse Yakubu Danladi Salihu, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, for the 2027 governorship elections. The group characterized this pressure as a significant threat to the neutrality and sanctity of traditional institutions.

They accused unnamed actors of attempting to coerce first-class monarchs, which they deemed profoundly disrespectful to the traditional institution. The group emphasized that traditional rulers should remain custodians of culture and unity, not be subjected to political manipulation.

They warned that compromising the neutrality of monarchs could undermine their moral authority and weaken their role in promoting peace and cohesion. The group also expressed concern over the involvement of state actors in this alleged pressure, calling for respect for the boundaries of traditional authority and urging political actors to pursue leadership through the will of the people rather than coercion.