The group, led by Chief Olayemi Afolayan, made its position known in a statement on Monday, where it accused unnamed actors of attempting to coerce first-class monarchs across Kwara South into backing the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
The group described the alleged move as “disturbing” and “profoundly disrespectful” to the traditional institution, warning against dragging monarchs into partisan politics.
“The sacred stools occupied by our revered Obas are not instruments for political manipulation, nor should they be reduced to tools in any form of partisan contest,” the statement read.
It stressed that traditional rulers remain custodians of culture and unity and must not be subjected to undue political influence.
According to the group, any attempt to compromise the neutrality of monarchs could undermine their moral authority and weaken their role in promoting peace and cohesion.
“Our kings are fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliations, and must remain neutral arbiters who unite rather than divide their people,” it stressed.
The group insisted that politicising the traditional institution would erode its sanctity and create unnecessary tension within communities.
It also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of state actors in the move, describing it as a departure from democratic norms.
“If indeed such actions are being contemplated or executed, it represents a troubling disregard for the autonomy of traditional institutions,” it lamented.
The Kwara South Mandate Group further noted that no similar pressure had been reported in other senatorial districts, raising concerns about fairness and equity.
The group called on political actors across the state to respect the boundaries between governance and traditional authority, urging them to pursue leadership through the will of the people.
“Leadership must be pursued through the will of the people, not through the coercion of revered institutions,” the statement added.
It also urged those allegedly involved to desist from actions capable of undermining the integrity of traditional rulers.
When contacted the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Shehu Abdulkadir dismissed the claim as a rant of faceless individuals.
“We can’t be joining issues with faceless individuals. The Speaker is more concerned in carrying out his legislative duties to the state, and nothing will distract him from such,” he said.
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