Fayose Insists Makinde Plotting Against Olubadan, Ladoja Dismisses Crisis
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — FORMER Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has reiterated his allegation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, from the throne.
Fayose made the assertion on Tuesday during a visit to the monarch at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, maintaining that his claims were based on what he described as “privileged and reliable information.”
The former governor said he had no reason to retract his earlier statements, insisting that events in recent days had continued to validate his position.
According to him, the controversy followed his earlier disclosure that the Oyo State Government was allegedly planning to query the Olubadan over his absence at a recent coronation-related event.
Fayose claimed that developments within the last 48 hours had reinforced his belief that there were ongoing efforts targeting the traditional institution, warning that further actions could still be taken.
“Let me say it again: the current Governor of Oyo State has an agenda to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Whether it will succeed or not is another matter,” Fayose said.
He further alleged that Governor Makinde had continued to act in ways suggesting “desperation,” cautioning that such moves could have political consequences.
Using a metaphor, Fayose likened political office to tenancy, stressing that leaders must act with restraint to protect their legacy.
“The Governor’s tenancy is about to expire, he should not allow his legacy to be damaged,” he added.
While emphasizing that he was not opposed to Makinde completing his tenure, Fayose urged the governor to tread carefully and avoid actions that could undermine traditional institutions.
In his response, the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, dismissed reports of any crisis between the Ibadan traditional institution and the state government, describing such claims as largely speculative.
The monarch, who referred to Fayose as a “son,” expressed appreciation for his visit but cautioned against drawing conclusions from unverified information.
Ladoja noted that while rumours of tension had circulated, there had been no concrete evidence of any confrontation between the palace and the government.
“Most of what we hear is hearsay until it is confirmed,” he said.
He also addressed reports suggesting that the Olubadan was planning to impeach the governor, describing such claims as baseless and misleading.
Despite the controversy, Ladoja expressed optimism that any misunderstandings would be resolved through dialogue, noting that Ibadan’s traditional system has mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution.
“Ibadan has elders that will always ensure reconciliation… I am very optimistic that the matter will be resolved amicably,” he said.
The exchange comes amid heightened political and traditional sensitivities in Oyo State, particularly following recent developments involving chieftaincy and coronation matters in Ibadanland.
While Fayose maintains that there are deliberate moves against the Olubadan stool, the monarch’s remarks suggest a preference for caution and reconciliation over confrontation.