By Oyo Lens
Mogaji Gbolagade Moshood Akere, President of the Ibadan Royal Advancement Forum, has defended the right of Ibadan indigenes to support Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the city’s historic political spirit of “Ọmọ wa ni ẹ jẹ o se” remains alive.
Akere’s remarks follow controversy over the reported endorsement of Makinde by some Ibadan Mogajis, with critics questioning whether the wider traditional leadership was consulted.
He argued that the central issue should be the freedom of individual Mogajis to make political choices, rather than the expectation of unanimous consent.
Recalling the 1983 election, Akere noted that Ibadan people had previously rallied behind one of their own, Chief Victor Omololu Olunloyo, against the incumbent governor, Chief Bola Ige.
“If our fathers had the right to make that choice then, why should our generation be denied the same right today?” he asked.
The Ibadan Royal Advancement Forum president stressed that supporting an Ibadan indigene should not be misconstrued as hostility towards other political candidates, adding that political diversity remains part of democratic practice.
“An endorsement does not have to be unanimous before it becomes an endorsement. Those who support Makinde have spoken for themselves, and those who disagree are equally free to express their views,” he said.
Akere further cautioned against using traditional titles to restrict the political rights of their holders, maintaining that traditional leadership and personal political convictions can coexist when differences are expressed peacefully and responsibly.
He insisted that the outcome of the 2027 governorship election would ultimately be determined by the electorate, not any traditional or political organisation.
“Let Ibadan speak. Let every Mogaji speak. Let every citizen speak. Then let the people decide,” Akere declared.
