By Adesakin Adefemi
Elders in Ibadanland have moved to douse tension over reported friction between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, with the Balogun of Ibadanland calling for peace and caution among political actors.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, disclosed the intervention on Friday while addressing journalists at his private residence, Aladewura House, Sanyo, in Ibadan South West Local Government Area. He said prominent elders in the city had waded into the matter to prevent escalation.
Ajibola urged Oba Ladoja to steer clear of partisan politics to preserve the dignity and neutrality of the Olubadan stool. He advised the monarch to remain a father figure to all politicians irrespective of their political parties and avoid actions that could drag the institution into controversy.
“I want to allay the fear of our people in Ibadanland that there is no problem between Governor Seyi Makinde and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. Our elders in Ibadan have waded into the matter,” Ajibola said. He referenced the “Operation wet it” era and insisted that Ibadan is ready to settle the problem.
The comments come after former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose renewed allegations on Tuesday that Governor Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan. In a statement posted on his official X account, Fayose claimed recent accusations against the monarch were part of a broader plan to justify action against him.
Fayose said the denial of any rift between the Olubadan and Makinde came only after he made the issue public. He alleged that claims of partisanship against the monarch were part of an orchestration to prepare grounds for the Olubadan to be queried.
The renewed claim surfaced amid fresh political tension in Oyo State. The Chief Whip of the state House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, has distanced himself from alleged moves by some lawmakers to impeach the governor. Oyekola, who represents Atiba State Constituency, said in a statement on his verified Facebook page that he was not part of any such plan.
“I hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements,” Oyekola stated. He stressed that he would not engage in activities capable of destabilising the state.
Speaking further on Friday, the Balogun also cautioned the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District. Ajibola advised the senator to refrain from political engagements that could conflict with his responsibilities within the traditional hierarchy under the Olubadan.
Ajibola said his counsel to the Olubadan was borne out of respect for the institution. “He should tread carefully and stay away from politics. The Olubadan is a revered traditional ruler, and his name should not be dragged into political matters. I want him to continue to be respected and upheld as a symbol of unity and tradition.”
