Organization Condemns Use of Royal Fathers for Partisan Ends, Backs Ekiti Youth Voices, Demands Accountability from Hon. Awelewa and Hon. Abolarin
ILORIN, KWARA STATE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 – Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, a frontline pro-Kwara civic organization committed to accountability, unity, and institutional dignity, has today berated the politicization of the traditional stool in Kwara State.
The organization said royal fathers must be exonerated from politics and warned that dragging the throne into “politics of selfish interest” ridicules the monarchy, erodes community trust, and endangers the moral authority of our kings.
‘The Stool Is Sacred, Not for Partisan Exchange’
In a statement signed by its leadership and made available to the media, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative faulted political office holders who it said have repeatedly drawn traditional rulers into partisan battles.
“Royal fathers should be exonerated from politics. The stool represents our history, our values, and our collective identity. It is not a campaign structure and it is not for rent,” the organization stated.
The group cited a disturbing pattern where some political office holders have allegedly “permutated” how Kwara State First Class Traditional Rulers are invited to Abuja for gubernatorial reasons and other partisan engagements.
“It is ridiculous. It ridicules our royal fathers and our community when the palace is turned into a political venue. Our kings deserve respect, not manipulation,” the Initiative added.
Standing with Ekiti Youth Voices
Kwara for Kwarans Initiative also acknowledged a recent post by a group of individuals under the name Ekiti Youth Voices.
The organization described the youth group as “proactive Kwarans that seek better Kwarans” and commended them for raising the alarm on the alleged compromise of the Ekiti LGA Traditional Council.
“Ekiti Youth Voices are not troublemakers. They are citizens who love their land and are defending the dignity of their kings. We stand with them,” the statement read.
Allegations Against Hon. Wale Awelewa and Hon. Ganiu Abolarin
Referencing Ekiti Youth Voices’ claims, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative said if it is true that the Ekiti LGA Traditional Council press conference held yesterday was mobilized by two incumbent political office holders, then it is unacceptable.
The officials named are:
1. Hon. Wale Awelewa – Chairman, Ekiti Local Government Area
2. Hon. Ganiu Abolarin Gabriel – Member, Kwara State House of Assembly, KWHA, Ekiti Constituency
The Initiative said the two “underperformed office holders” allegedly paid the Ekiti LGA Traditional Stool, describing the act as “petty and funny” in light of their record in office.
“They have failed in the offices they have held over the years till now. Yet, they have time and resources to organize a press conference to support themselves,” the group said.
‘Silence During Killings, Noise for Politics’
Kwara for Kwarans Initiative raised a more serious concern: security and loss of life in Ekiti LGA.
“The worst case for kings is when their people are still in kidnapper’s den, yet they have time to address a press conference to support failed political office holders,” the organization said.
According to the Initiative, the only reason the Ekiti Traditional Council should have come together to address the press is for a community goal: ‘The Development and Safety of Ekiti LGA People.’
“But they were mute during the killings. No single statement was addressed by them to authorities that matter when our people were being killed or abducted,” the statement added.
The group said this selective silence exposes the true motive behind the monarch press conference and reduces the throne to a political instrument.
‘Kings Represent More Than Financially Inclined Leaders’
Kwara for Kwarans Initiative faulted everyone involved in the process, stressing that traditional rulers represent the soul of the community and must not be reduced to “financially inclined leaders.”
“Kings are not stakeholders for hire. They are custodians of peace, culture, and justice. When they are used for partisan shows, the entire community loses,” the organization stated.
The Initiative warned that if this trend continues, future traditional rulers will be seen as “party agents” rather than fathers of the land, and that will damage Kwara for generations.
Our Demands
In line with its mandate of “For the People. For Kwara,” the organization made four demands:
1. Immediate Clarification: Hon. Wale Awelewa and Hon. Ganiu Abolarin must publicly address the allegation of mobilizing the Ekiti Traditional Council with money and state the purpose of the press conference.
2. Hands Off the Throne: All political actors, including APC leaders in Kwara, must cease using traditional rulers as partisan assets.
3. Prioritize Safety and Development: The Ekiti Traditional Council should urgently convene a press briefing focused only on insecurity, kidnapping, and community development, not on political endorsements.
4. Investigation and Transparency: Relevant authorities should investigate the circumstances around the press conference and make findings public to restore public confidence.
The Initiative said Kwara South, and Ekiti LGA in particular, deserves representatives who will compete on ideas, service, and results, not on palace mobilization.
“Federal and state seats must be earned by performance. You cannot buy the throne and claim to own the people,” it stated.
Kwara for Kwarans Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to defending institutions, amplifying youth voices, and holding power to account without fear or favor.
Signed By:
Amb Anjorin Babatunde
Convener, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative
Amb Prosperity Kehinde Solomon
Public Relations Officer, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative.
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