A socio-political group, the Kwara South Progressive Movement, has criticised some traditional rulers from the Igbomina-speaking axis of Kwara South over their comments on the controversy surrounding the yet-to-be-announced results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in the state.

The group urged the monarchs to focus on addressing insecurity and other developmental challenges in their communities rather than getting involved in partisan political debates.

Speaking with Arewa PUNCH in Ilorin on Thursday, the Chairman of the movement, Sunday Owolabi, stated that the involvement of traditional rulers in political discussions, particularly on the issue of zoning within Kwara South Senatorial District, was capable of undermining the neutrality and integrity of traditional institutions.

According to him, although political controversies and speculations are common during election periods, revered traditional institutions should not be dragged into partisan contests.

" The public takes exception to dragging some hallowed institutions into the obviously murky waters of politics. The custodians of such sacred institutions should resist every attempt to involve them in partisan political engagements," Owolabi said.

The group was reacting to a recent press conference reportedly addressed by some Igbomina royal fathers, during which zoning was presented as a guiding principle in the politics of Kwara South.

Owolabi argued that the position attributed to the monarchs created the impression that zoning had long been an established political arrangement in the district, a claim he stated was not supported by historical facts.

" Ostensibly speaking for the Igbomina people, the position canvassed by the royal fathers gave the impression that zoning has been a long-established principle in Kwara South politics.

" That assertion is misleading and not supported by historical political practice in the district," he said.

He maintained that political offices in the district had historically been won through democratic processes rather than any formally recognised zoning arrangement.

To support his position, Owolabi cited the emergence of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Deputy Governor Joel Ogundeji, incumbent Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi and several members of the House of Representatives from the Igbomina-speaking area.

" All these offices were attained under a democratic system that places primacy on the votes of the people, and at no time was there a formally recognised zoning arrangement guiding such outcomes," he stated.

The group further contended that the zoning principle currently being promoted by some political interests lacked any formal documentation and should not be presented as binding on the people of the district.

" Sadly, the zoning narrative is now being amplified from unexpected quarters; our supposedly apolitical royal fathers. To make matters worse, this touted arrangement does not enjoy the dignity of a signed or recognised document," Owolabi added.

He warned traditional rulers against allowing themselves to be drawn into political struggles by politicians pursuing personal ambitions, stressing that the traditional institution must remain above partisan considerations.

" Politicians are often driven by ambition and personal interest. Unless caution is exercised, they may seek to use respected individuals and institutions as instruments to advance their own objectives," he said.

The group also urged the monarchs to devote greater attention to the worsening security situation confronting many communities in Kwara State.

" As fathers of all, the security challenges facing our communities should command greater attention than a controversial and largely self-serving zoning narrative. The protection of lives and property within our domains must remain paramount," Owolabi said.

He added that any perception of political partisanship by traditional rulers could erode public confidence in the institution and deepen divisions among the people.

" Such partisanship, whether real or perceived, creates a permanent dent on the integrity of the traditional institution. Our royal fathers must avoid every appearance of political involvement and remain symbols of unity for all our people," he stated.

The comments come amid heightened political activities in Kwara South following the APC primaries and the ongoing debate over zoning arrangements ahead of future elections in the district.