Gentlemen of the Press
By High Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, Baale of Gbodofon, Osogbo and Chairman, Council of Baales in Osogbo
Date: October 25, 2025
Gentlemen of the Press,
My attention has been drawn to some misleading reports published by a few national dailies and online media outlets following my appearance on Oroki Àsàlá, a current affairs programme aired on Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) a few weeks ago.
Ordinarily, I would have ignored such publications, but it has become necessary to correct the wrong impressions being circulated about what I said during that programme.
For the avoidance of doubt, the discussion I was invited to was centred mainly on the Aro in Osogbo and its cultural significance. Towards the end of the programme, I was asked a single question about whether it is possible for Osogbo to support any indigene who wanted to contest for post in any political parties ?.
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 have chosen or selected an Osogbo indigene as its flag bearer. That was all I said.
Unfortunately, some media reports twisted this simple statement and presented it as if I made a political declaration or endorsed a particular aspirant or agenda. This is completely false and misleading.
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.
I remain a traditional leader who believes in peace, unity, and development of our community. I am not a politician, and I do not belong to any political group. Therefore, any report suggesting that I made a political statement or took sides in any governorship matter is untrue and should be disregarded.
I want to use this opportunity to appeal to journalists and media organisations to always verify their reports before publishing, especially on issues involving traditional institutions. The media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion, and accuracy must remain its guiding principle.
I also urge members of the public, especially residents of Osogbo and Osun State, to disregard the false stories being circulated about my comments. They do not reflect what I said or the purpose of my appearance on OSBC.
As traditional leaders, our priority is to promote peace, stability, and community progress, and I remain fully committed to those values.
Thank you, gentlemen of the press, for your time and dedication to truth and responsible journalism.
Signed:
High Chief Jimoh Buraimo
Baale of Gbodofon, Osogbo
Chairman, Council of Baales in Osogbo
