Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, has publicly dismissed claims that he harbours grudges against political figures, insisting that some of his past emotional remarks were driven by frustration over Osogbo’s development challenges rather than personal hostility.
The respected monarch made the remarks on Saturday while receiving the governorship campaign team of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, at his palace in Osogbo ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
Addressing Party leaders and supporters during the visit, Oba Olanipekun said recent public perceptions of his comments had been misunderstood, stressing that his passion for the growth of Osogbo should never be mistaken for hatred or bitterness towards any individual.
The monarch used the opportunity to openly commend Oyebamiji, describing him as a man of exceptional character whose conduct had continued to earn his admiration.
According to the Ataoja, he first became acquainted with the APC governorship candidate through Engineer Lekan Badmus and was impressed by the humility and patience displayed by Oyebamiji even at a time when he had openly challenged him.
He recalled that despite expressing dissatisfaction with him during an earlier encounter, the APC candidate remained calm, respectful and composed throughout the interaction.
“There are many people waiting to hear what I will say today. AMBO is an Omoluabi in every sense of the word. I got to know him through Engr. Lekan Badmus. On one occasion, I expressed my displeasure towards him, but he remained patient throughout. His attitude even made me ask the Asiwaju of Osogbo to confirm the kind of person he truly is,” the monarch said.
Oba Olanipekun further explained that his relationship with former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola predated his acquaintance with Oyebamiji, noting that several unresolved issues surrounding Osogbo informed some of his previous public reactions.
He maintained that his actions were never without reason, adding that there were circumstances known to Oyetola which explained why he occasionally voiced his concerns publicly.
“I do not react without cause. There are reasons behind some of my actions, and Oyetola is fully aware of them. I am not a politician, but people always pay attention whenever I speak. Sometimes I wonder what offence I have committed. I leave everything in God’s hands and appeal to people to stop speaking ill of me,” the traditional ruler stated.
The monarch stressed that everything he had said in the past was motivated by his desire to attract development projects to Osogbo rather than to attack any political leader.
He explained that his frustration stemmed from seeing several requests made on behalf of the town remain unattended despite continuous efforts.
“If you have seen me raising my voice in the past, it was because I was frustrated. I felt deeply troubled by some of the things happening. During the presidential election campaign, I made certain comments, but the election results later showed that Osogbo never turned its back on President Bola Tinubu. Baba Akande’s political family still secured more votes than others here, although the governorship election produced a different outcome,” he said.
Oba Olanipekun also lamented that Osogbo was still awaiting several key federal projects despite years of advocacy.
Among the projects he highlighted was the proposed Federal Secretariat for the town, which he said had yet to materialise despite repeated appeals.
He, however, expressed optimism that the proposed Federal Medical Centre would eventually receive the required approval and become a reality.
Drawing a distinction between politics and community development, the monarch insisted that lobbying governments for projects should never be viewed through partisan lenses.
“There is a clear difference between politics and seeking development for one’s community. Senator Ajibola Basiru made commendable efforts regarding the proposed Federal Medical Centre, while a member of the House of Representatives also contributed significantly. What remains now is the President’s final approval and assent,” he said.
The Ataoja again declared that he bore no hatred towards anyone, insisting that some of the reactions attributed to him arose because he had been prevented from having direct access to President Tinubu.
He nevertheless reaffirmed his confidence in Oyebamiji, describing him as a worthy leader.
“I do not hate anyone. Circumstances were responsible for some of my reactions because I was shut out from meeting the President. But AMBO remains an Omoluabi to the core. He is the incoming Governor. Ultimately, it is God who enthrones leaders. No individual can claim the power to install anyone,” the monarch declared.
Earlier during the visit, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, appealed to residents of Osogbo not to distance themselves from President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.
According to him, maintaining a cordial relationship with the Federal Government would greatly benefit the town and accelerate development projects.
Basiru argued that President Tinubu’s administration had prioritised infrastructure and economic development across the country, noting that allocations to state governments had risen considerably since the President assumed office.
“The assignment President Bola Tinubu gave us in Osun is centred on development. Since he came into office, resources available for development across the states have increased substantially. The important question is whether the people of Osun are getting value from the funds being allocated,” Basiru said.
The former Senate spokesman criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging that the Government had failed to adequately address infrastructural challenges in the State capital.
He claimed that no fewer than 19 roads within Osogbo required urgent rehabilitation, accusing the current administration of neglecting critical infrastructure.
“In Osogbo alone, I can identify 19 roads that urgently require intervention, yet the present Government has failed to repair them. An APC administration under AMBO will address these problems. We must ensure accountability, guarantee value for public funds and install a Government with the competence to deliver meaningful development,” he stated.
Basiru also reassured the Ataoja that the long-awaited Federal Medical Centre for Osogbo would soon receive the necessary presidential approval.
He added that funding required to complete the proposed Federal Secretariat project would also be released.
According to the APC National Secretary, President Tinubu places great value on the Ataoja of Osogbo and remains committed to fulfilling promises that would positively impact the ancient town.
“Osogbo and the people of Osun should not distance themselves from President Tinubu. From my personal relationship with him, I know he holds the Ataoja of Osogbo in very high regard. I am confident that the Federal Medical Centre will soon become a reality, while the necessary allocation for the completion of the Federal Secretariat project will equally be approved,” Basiru said.
The visit formed part of the APC’s intensified consultations ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with Party leaders continuing engagements with traditional rulers, community stakeholders and residents across Osun State as campaigning enters its final stretch.