Chieftaincy Status No Barrier to Electoral Ambition, Says Constitutional Lawyer
A constitutional lawyer, Adebisi Adeyemo, has affirmed that no Nigerian can be prevented from contesting elections on the basis of chieftaincy considerations or eligibility for a traditional stool.
Adeyemo’s position follows growing concerns over alleged attempts—both administrative and customary—to limit the political aspirations of some high chiefs in Oyo State, including Bolaji Adewoyin, Sarafadeen Alli, and Kola Babalola.
The issue comes ahead of plans by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to present the staff of office to the trio as newly elevated crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland. However, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, recently disclosed that the individuals had indicated they would not attend the scheduled coronation ceremony.
In a statement, Adeyemo emphasized that the 1999 Constitution remains the supreme authority on political participation. Citing Section 1, he noted that any law, policy, or customary practice inconsistent with constitutional provisions is null and void.
He further referenced Sections 65 and 106, which guarantee the right of qualified citizens to contest elective positions, adding that the disqualification criteria outlined in Sections 66 and 107 do not include chieftaincy status.
“Any attempt to introduce additional disqualification criteria outside the Constitution is legally untenable,” he said.
Adeyemo also clarified that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters lacks the constitutional power to restrict citizens’ political rights or impose customary expectations as binding obligations. According to him, such actions would be ultra vires and subject to judicial review.
Drawing a distinction, he explained that being eligible for or nominated to a traditional stool does not impose a legal obligation to withdraw from politics. Only individuals who have been formally installed as traditional rulers may be expected to observe political neutrality.
To support his argument, Adeyemo cited historical precedents, including Oba Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ife, who served as Governor of the Western Region between 1960 and 1962 while retaining his traditional role.
He also referenced MKO Abiola, widely believed to have won the 1993 presidential election despite holding multiple chieftaincy titles, and Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President, who equally held traditional titles without constitutional restriction.
Adeyemo maintained that Adewoyin, Alli, and Babalola retain their full rights to political participation, including contesting elections and engaging in governance.
He described any effort to curtail these rights on the basis of chieftaincy expectations as unconstitutional and improper, urging stakeholders in Oyo State to adhere strictly to the rule of law.
“Political disagreements must remain within lawful bounds, and misinterpretation of the law must not be used to fuel conflict,” he cautioned.
Adeyemo concluded that the Constitution is clear on the matter, stressing that political participation is a fundamental right that cannot be overridden by tradition or administrative action.
