“I Hold Olubadan in High Esteem” — Adelabu Denies Disrespect Claim
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE immediate past Minister of Power and a leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has refuted allegations that he disrespected the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, during a recent political engagement in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area.
Adelabu described the claims as false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt by political opponents to distort facts and damage his longstanding relationship with the revered monarch.
Reacting to a statement attributed to his media aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu insisted that at no point did he insult or show any form of disrespect toward the Olubadan stool or the person of Oba Ladoja.
According to him, his remarks at the event were purely historical and political, focusing on the circumstances surrounding past electoral losses by progressive forces in Oyo State.
He added that any chants or reactions from sections of the audience were spontaneous and neither instigated nor endorsed by him.
“I can never disrespect the Olubadan stool because of politics. Politics is transient, but the institution of the Olubadan is sacred, highly revered, and deeply rooted in our heritage as Ibadan people,” he said.
Adelabu further emphasized that his relationship with Oba Ladoja goes beyond politics, describing the monarch as a father figure, mentor, and respected elder.
“Oba Ladoja is like a father to me, and no political difference, no matter how intense, can destroy that bond. We may have belonged to different political tendencies in the past, but that has never affected the mutual respect we share,” he added.
To counter the allegations, Adelabu revealed that he visited the Olubadan at his palace less than two weeks ago, where both men held what he described as warm and cordial discussions, reflecting their enduring relationship.
He urged the public to disregard what he termed “evil rumours” aimed at creating discord between him and the traditional institution.
Adelabu also highlighted the longstanding historical ties between the Adelabu and Ladoja families, noting that the relationship predates contemporary politics.
He recalled that his grandfather, the late nationalist and statesman, Adegoke Adelabu, shared a close personal and political relationship with Oba Ladoja’s late father during Nigeria’s pre-independence era.
“This relationship is historical and deeply rooted. Our families have shared bonds of friendship, respect, and political collaboration for generations. It is therefore inconceivable for me to disrespect the Olubadan stool or the Ladoja family,” he said.
As the Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Adelabu reaffirmed his loyalty to Ibadanland, its traditions, and its revered institutions, pledging to uphold the dignity of the Olubadan throne.
He cautioned political actors against dragging traditional institutions into partisan conflicts, warning that such actions could undermine the unity and cultural heritage of Ibadanland.
“Political ambitions should never be pursued at the expense of our traditional institutions. I remain a loyal son of Ibadanland and a firm believer in preserving the dignity of our royal heritage,” he said.