21st April, 2011
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, has called on security agencies to provide adequate security for the people of Oyo State during the governorship election on April 26.
He said adequate security would enable the people to vote under a peaceful and secured atmosphere.
The traditional ruler made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Wednesday, on his behalf by Chief I. A. Akinpelu.
He urged the people to show example of peace and orderliness at polling centres in line with the state’s slogan of “a pacesetterâ€.
Odulana urged them to go out en masse and vote for a candidate of their choice without fear or favour.
The monarch denied insinuations that voting took place in his Monatan private residence during the presidential election, describing it as the handiwork of mischief makers.
He recalled that the rumour prompted security agents to storm his residence to verify the claim but nothing incriminating was found.
The statement said: “For over the past four decades, His Royal Majesty has not engaged in partisan politics.
“People should please recall that immediately on his ascension to the throne, one of his first pronouncements was that members of Olubadan-in-Council should not participate in partisan politics.
“For the avoidance of doubt, that is still his stand,†Olubadan said.