Campaign Ban Sparks Fresh Row As Lawyer Fires Back At Oluwo: “Not Even The President Can Stop Candidates

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

Adenola described the monarch’s position as unconstitutional, arguing that a traditional ruler has no legal authority to prevent political candidates from campaigning in any part of Nigeria.

In a statement dated August 9, 2026, the lawyer said the declaration could potentially affect presidential hopefuls, including Omoyele Sowore, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

“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.

“This is unconstitutional and cannot stand,” Adenola said.

The lawyer cited Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, freedom of movement and freedom from discrimination.

According to him, these constitutional guarantees mean that no individual can arbitrarily prevent a presidential candidate from conducting lawful campaign activities in any part of the country.

“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 argued.

Adenola also relied on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, contending that political campaign activities are governed by the country’s electoral laws rather than the authority of traditional institutions.

He particularly referenced Section 99(2), which prohibits the use of state apparatus to favour or disadvantage a political party or candidate.

The lawyer further cited Section 99(1), which he said places the regulation of campaign activities within the framework established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“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.

Lawyer Calls On INEC, Security Agencies

Adenola urged INEC and security agencies to ensure that all presidential candidates are allowed to carry out lawful political activities in Osun State without intimidation or obstruction.

“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.

He maintained that a traditional ruler’s political preference could not supersede the constitutional rights of other candidates or the electorate.

The controversy followed comments reportedly made by the Oluwo during the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road at Aje International Market in Osogbo.

During the event, the monarch openly endorsed President Tinubu’s bid for another term and declared that other presidential candidates should not be promoted at his palace or elsewhere in Osun State.

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

He also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances of securing another term and called on residents to support the President.

Adenola, however, maintained that political activities in Osun State must be conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, rather than being determined by the preference of a traditional ruler.