By Joan Odafe
The palace of Oba Saheed Elegushi has denied allegations linking the traditional ruler to the failure of some politicians to secure party tickets ahead of the next general elections.
The palace described the claims as blackmail and reaffirmed the traditional ruler’s apolitical stance.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Mr Temitope Oyefeso, Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the traditional ruler, the palace said Oba Elegushi remained neutral in partisan politics.
“The attention of the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, has been drawn to a media campaign orchestrated to blackmail the traditional ruler over the failure of some politicians to secure the ticket of their party to contest in the next general elections,” the statement said.
The palace said it would ordinarily not respond to the allegations, but considered it necessary to protect the integrity of the throne and the traditional institution.
It stated that the king remained a father figure to all political actors, irrespective of party affiliation.
“Oba Saheed Elegushi remains a father to all and welcomes all players in the political space to his palace, regardless of their political affiliation,” it said.
The palace also cited an instance involving the traditional ruler’s younger brother to demonstrate Oba Elegushi’s neutrality in political matters.
“Even at a time the immediate younger brother of the traditional ruler yielded to the call of the people and contested for election, Oba Elegushi did not hesitate to ask his brother to step down when the leadership of the party prevailed upon him to do so,” the statement added.
According to the palace, the oba remains committed to the peace and development of Eti-Osa and Lagos State, and will support whoever emerged through a democratic process, regardless of faith, tribe or political party.
The palace urged politicians to focus on promoting their candidacy rather than dragging traditional institutions into politics.
“We urge politicians to explore all appropriate means to sell their candidacy to the people and desist from dragging the traditional institution into politics,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
