You can’t bar Obi, Atiku from campaigning in Osun, lawyer tells Oluwo

A lawyer has challenged the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, for barring presidential candidates from campaigning in Osun State ahead of the 2027 general election. The lawyer, Damilare Adenola, argued that such a declaration is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. He cited Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, movement and freedom from discrimination.

Adenola insisted that no individual, including a traditional ruler, can lawfully restrict the constitutional rights of political candidates to campaign anywhere in Nigeria, except by lawful order after due process. He also pointed out that Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 lays the regulation of political campaigns under the Electoral Commission of Nigeria, not the authority of a traditional ruler.