The true strength of a king is not measured by the crown upon his head but by the confidence he inspires in every subject under his reign. The moment a throne is perceived to belong to one political tendency, it begins to lose its greatest asset, its moral authority. A palace should remain the one institution where every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, can find fairness, wisdom and reassurance, never the impression of partisanship.
It is for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to stay clear of the murky waters of partisan politics and allow politicians to play politics. That counsel was neither incidental nor political; it was a recognition of the sacred responsibility traditional institutions bear in preserving peace, fostering unity and serving as impartial custodians of their people.
With profound respect to the Elulu of Mopa, the exalted office he occupies demands neutrality, restraint and statesmanship. Kogi West is not in short supply of politicians to canvass political positions or defend political interests. The palace should not become another political platform. A royal father best serves his people when he stands above political contests, not when he is perceived to be participating in them.
Our respectful advice to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Muyiwa Ibeun, is to focus his energy on consolidating the legitimacy and moral authority of the throne he occupies. With the legality of his enthronement still being tested in two pending High Court cases and with the important task of strengthening acceptance and confidence across all segments of his community, these should understandably remain his foremost priorities. Those are the defining responsibilities of kingship. If, however, His Royal Majesty desires to actively participate in partisan politics, that is his constitutional right as a citizen, but it is difficult to reconcile the impartiality demanded of a royal father with the partisanship required of a politician. The crown belongs to all, politics belongs to a side. In the interest of preserving the sanctity of the traditional institution, the two should not coexist.
The deplorable state of the road leading to his own community is another issue that cries out for sustained royal advocacy. If the weight of the throne must be brought to bear, let it be in pursuit of development, infrastructure, peace and the welfare of the people. Those are causes that unite communities rather than divide them along political lines.
If, indeed, there are expectations arising from political relationships or support received, such expectations should be managed in ways that do not draw the revered traditional institution into partisan politics. No political consideration should outweigh the dignity, neutrality and moral authority of the throne.
Like every Nigerian, the Elulu is entitled to his personal political opinions as a citizen. However, he does not speak for the political class or the people of Kogi West. That mandate belongs exclusively to the electorate, who alone reserve the constitutional right to determine their political future.
History has always reserved its highest honour for monarchs who united their people, protected the sanctity of their institutions and placed the collective interest above political expediency.
The palace must remain a symbol of justice, neutrality and hope not another arena for political contest. That is how the throne preserves its honour. That is how public confidence is sustained. And that is how great royal fathers are remembered.
Signed By:
Ademide J. Toyin Adeyemo,
Chairman, Kogi West Movement Group,
01/08/2026
