Stakeholders Warn Against Using Traditional Offices For Political Mobilisation

Ilorin,  Kwara State– Political stakeholders under the banner of the Kwara Political Leaders of Thought (KPLOT) have warned against the growing use of traditional institutions for political mobilisation, cautioning that such practices threaten the neutrality and moral authority of the throne.

The group, during a press conference held on Thursday, called on traditional rulers in Kwara State to deliberately steer clear of partisan politics and what it described as the murky arena of political agitations and permutations.

Speaking at the briefing, KPLOT Chairman, Mohammed Marriam Alhassan, stressed that the strength of any traditional institution lies in its neutrality and the trust it commands across political divides.

“The throne derives its strength from neutrality, moral authority, and the trust of all subjects, irrespective of their political leanings,” Alhassan said.

“Once a royal institution is dragged into partisan battles, it risks losing its unifying essence and the sacred distance that commands reverence.”

According to the group, traditional rulers preside over communities with diverse and often conflicting political interests, warning that alignment with any political tendency—regardless of the temptation or promised rewards—would inevitably alienate sections of the populace and erode the sanctity of the stool.

KPLOT further urged monarchs in the state to learn from developments in parts of northern Nigeria, where political interference in traditional institutions has reportedly led to deep divisions and the emergence of parallel emirates within the same domains.

“Such outcomes diminish history, weaken culture, and turn revered thrones into theatres of political contestation,” the group warned, adding that Kwara State must not follow that path.

The political leaders maintained that traditional rulers best serve their people by remaining above politics, offering wise counsel, preserving peace, and acting as fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliation.

“Politics should be left to politicians,” KPLOT said. “The throne must remain a sanctuary of unity, stability, and enduring legitimacy.”