I Didn’t Make Any Political Endorsement, High Chief Jimoh Buraimoh Clears the Air

The Baale of Gbodofon and Chairman, Council of Baales in Osogbo, High Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, has debunked reports claiming he made a political declaration during a recent television appearance, describing such publications as false and misleading.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Saturday, High Chief Buraimoh said his attention was drawn to some “misleading reports” in a few national dailies and online platforms following his appearance on Oroki Àsàlá, a current affairs programme aired on the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC).

According to him, the discussion on the programme focused mainly on the Aro in Osogbo and its cultural significance, not politics. He explained that towards the end of the show, he was asked a single question about whether Osogbo people could support any indigene who wished to contest for a political position.

“In my response, I made it clear that if there is a capable and suitable candidate from Osogbo, our people might support such a person. However, as of now, there is no party that has chosen an Osogbo indigene as its flag bearer. That was all I said,” he clarified.

The Baale expressed disappointment that some media outlets allegedly twisted his comment and presented it as though he endorsed a political aspirant or party.

“Let me state emphatically that I did not make any political endorsement during that programme. I only gave a general response to a hypothetical question, and my answer was based purely on logic and fairness, not politics,” he said.

High Chief Buraimoh reaffirmed his neutrality, stating that he remains a traditional leader committed to peace, unity, and the development of Osogbo.

“I am not a politician and do not belong to any political group. Therefore, any report suggesting that I took sides in any governorship matter is untrue and should be disregarded,” he added.

He urged journalists to uphold professionalism by verifying information before publication, particularly on issues involving traditional institutions.

The traditional ruler also appealed to the public, especially residents of Osogbo and Osun State, to disregard the “false stories” being circulated about his comments, emphasizing that they do not reflect the true intent of his remarks on OSBC.

“As traditional leaders, our priority is to promote peace, stability, and community progress, and I remain fully committed to those values,” he concluded.