Lawyer Challenges Oluwo's Ban on Campaigning in Osun

Damilare Adenola, a lawyer, has challenged the declaration made by Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, which stated that no presidential candidate, except President Bola Tinubu, should campaign in Osun State ahead of the 2027 general election. Adenola described this declaration as unconstitutional, arguing that it infringes upon the rights of political candidates to campaign throughout Nigeria.

He highlighted that such restrictions cannot be legally enforced, citing Sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens' rights to freedom of expression, assembly, movement, and protection from discrimination. Adenola also referenced Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits the use of state resources to favor or disadvantage any political party or candidate, asserting that the regulation of political campaigns falls under the jurisdiction of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not a traditional ruler.

He called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that all candidates, including Omoyele Sowore, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Seyi Makinde, can campaign freely in Osun State.