Traditional Rulers’ Endorsement: An Injustice To Other Parties In Kwara -By Mustapha Sulyman Oluwatofunmi

Our traditional rulers are well respected and venerated, and as such should always be accorded such honor without adulterating it with insults. They belong to everyone in the communities; belong to everybody and belong to nobody. Hence, they are popularly called “father of all”.

However, the recent political endorsement of one particular candidate seeking reelection from them is questionable and bash-able.

In Africa and Nigeria particularly, we have multi-political parties haven-ing personalities always vying for positions at any time of electioneering. Adopting or endorsing one particular party or candidate will convince us to believe that other political parties are enemies of the ancestral abode. This will create nothing else except enmity, raves, and oppression to other parties.

Seeing our traditional rulers diving overtly into political discourse is worrisome and should be controlled.
Of course, they can support and cheer the government and even discuss politics when necessary, but be non-inclined.

The exalted ancestral positions they hold should be apolitical and non-partisan. That was the norm!

Though everyone is entitled to choose or support whosoever he wants without any intimidation, such should not be displayed by the Emir/King/Oba because of the heavy luggage of communities on their heads.

Doing so will amount to nothing apart from a selective preference for a particular candidate that can win or lose re-election eventually; only God possesses that “decree”.

If at all any individual or forum of rulers has to support or praise any candidates or even governor, it should be through appreciation or commendation. Not endorsement!

Without any ludicrous attack, our traditional rulers need to be corrected and reminded that we are now practicing democracy and no more in the military era, the era of imposition.

Our traditional rulers should remember that soldiers go, soldiers come, but barracks remain at their spots. Government is rotational, and they should know very well that any elective officeholders will go, but they(the traditional rulers) will remain longer on their thrones.

They should also remember that other candidates have their contributions to the developments in the state. Thus, shouldn’t be intimidated because of another.

If a perceived loser or alienated candidate eventually wins the election, what will be the events after the election?
The last general elections in the state(Kwara State) should serve as a reminder or pointer.

Thus, in conclusion, I exhort our traditional rulers to always maintain their position(s) as “father of all” and not give any special preference to anyone, not even publicly and if that is necessary, should be done behind the scene.