By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has urged Nigerians to reject vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that accepting as little as N5,000 or N10,000 in exchange for votes amounts to sacrificing the future of their children and communities.
The revered monarch made the appeal while addressing journalists during activities marking his fourth coronation anniversary in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He stressed that the welfare of the people should remain the foremost concern of every traditional ruler, regardless of the constitutional limitations placed on the institution.
Oba Matemilola noted that although the Nigerian Constitution does not adequately recognize the role of traditional rulers in governance, royal fathers still have a moral obligation to promote good leadership by encouraging responsible political participation among their subjects.
According to him, traditional rulers should mobilize their people to register for and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while also encouraging them to participate actively in elections by voting for candidates with proven integrity and genuine commitment to the development of their communities.
"The well-being of our people should be our only focus. Those who truly understand the responsibility of occupying the throne know that the welfare of the people must come first," the monarch said.
He added that traditional rulers cannot afford to remain passive during election periods, stressing that they interact closely with political aspirants and are well positioned to guide their communities toward making informed electoral decisions.
"We know the candidates, and we have to interact with them. We must encourage our people to shine their eyes during elections. They should not sell their conscience or the future of their children and communities for N5,000 or N10,000 because someone wants to induce them," he cautioned.
Oba Matemilola further urged Nigerians to carefully evaluate candidates before casting their votes, emphasizing that only individuals who genuinely have the interest of the people at heart deserve their mandate.
While insisting that traditional rulers must remain politically neutral, the monarch maintained that neutrality should not prevent them from advising their subjects to support credible and responsible leaders.
"We cannot be partisan because all politicians are our children. However, we have a duty to ensure that we advise our subjects to consider only those who possess the qualities of good leadership," he said
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