Osun State Oluwo's Campaign Restriction Sparks Constitutional Concerns

• A lawyer has criticized a declaration by Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, restricting presidential candidates' campaigning rights in Osun State.
• The declaration is unconstitutional and cannot be legally enforced, according to Damilare Adenola's statement dated August 9, 2026.
• Presidential candidates like Omoyele Sowore, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Seyi Makinde should be allowed to campaign freely in Osun State.
• The regulation of political campaigns falls under the electoral framework, not the authority of a traditional ruler.

According to Adenola, no individual, including a traditional ruler, can lawfully deny political candidates their constitutional rights to campaign.

The declaration by Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, that no presidential candidate should campaign in Osun State except President Bola Tinubu has been met with criticism from a lawyer, Damilare Adenola. According to Adenola, such restrictions are unconstitutional and cannot be legally enforced. The lawyer's statement dated August 9, 2026, highlights the importance of respecting the rights of political candidates to campaign across the country without restriction. This includes presidential candidates like Omoyele Sowore, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Seyi Makinde, who should be allowed to campaign freely in Osun State.

The rights of political candidates to campaign across the country are guaranteed by Sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution. These sections ensure citizens' freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, movement, and protection from discrimination. Furthermore, Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits the use of state apparatus to favor or disadvantage any political party or candidate. This provision emphasizes that the regulation of political campaigns falls under the electoral framework, not the authority of a traditional ruler.

The Oluwo's declaration has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential restriction of presidential candidates' rights to campaign in Osun State. However, according to Adenola, no individual, including a traditional ruler, can lawfully deny political candidates their constitutional rights to campaign. The lawyer calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that all presidential candidates are allowed to campaign freely in Osun State without hindrance.

Lawyers should note that a traditional ruler's declaration cannot lawfully bar presidential candidates from campaigning in Osun State, and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies must ensure all candidates are allowed to campaign freely.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]