Ibadan Elders Intervene in Makinde-Olubadan Rift, Urge Monarch to Shun Politics

The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, disclosed on Friday that prominent elders in Ibadan have stepped in to mediate the simmering tensions between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Addressing journalists at his private residence in the Sanyo area of Ibadan South West Local Government Area, Ajibola moved to reassure residents that the disagreement was being handled internally by the traditional council’s senior figures.

“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 stated, referencing past unrest by noting, “We don’t want a problem in Ibadan anymore. You remember the era of ‘Operation wet it’.”

Call for Neutrality

While confirming the elders’ intervention, the Balogun issued a direct advisory to the monarch, urging Oba Ladoja to distance himself from partisan politics in order to safeguard the sanctity of the throne. Ajibola emphasized that the Olubadan should serve as a father figure to politicians across all party lines rather than engaging in political disputes.

“My personal advice to Baba Olubadan is simple. I hold him in high regard, and I do not want anything that will bring his office into disrepute,” Ajibola said. “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.”

Background of Tensions

The development follows renewed allegations by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who claimed earlier in the week that Governor Makinde was orchestrating a plot to remove Oba Ladoja from the stool. Despite denials from both the state government and the palace, Fayose insisted on social media that accusations of partisanship against the monarch were “parts of the orchestration to prepare grounds for the Olubadan to be queried.”

The political atmosphere in the state has been further charged by recent legislative movements. The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, publicly distanced himself from alleged impeachment moves against the governor, stating he was never consulted nor part of any such arrangement.

In a related note, the Balogun also cautioned the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland and serving Senator for Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, to focus on his traditional duties within the Olubadan hierarchy rather than political engagements.