The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has criticised former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over his allegation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the council described the claim as misleading and a dangerous attempt to politicise traditional institutions in the state.
The President-General of the CCII, Ajeniyi Ajewole, made the council’s position known in a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday through its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide.
Ajewole said Fayose’s comments were unfounded and could incite unnecessary tension in Ibadanland.
Fayose had earlier alleged in a post on his 𝕏 handle that Governor Makinde was planning to depose the monarch.
He stated, “I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
“The plot is to commence this week, with a government query to be issued against the Olubadan, citing his absence at the failed coronation of High Chiefs in Ibadanland two weeks ago, and other allegations.”
Reacting, the CCII said the allegation lacked credibility and should be disregarded.
“Ibadanland would not tolerate external attempts to destabilise its peace through careless political rhetoric. The allegation lacked credibility and should be disregarded by the public,” Ajewole said.
The council stressed that matters concerning the Olubadan stool follow a well-established traditional process and cannot be influenced by political speculation.
“Matters relating to the Olubadan stool follow a well-established process that cannot be altered by political speculation,” Ajewole stated.
He warned the former governor against making statements capable of misleading the public or causing distrust among residents.
Ajewole further stated, “Fayose should not inflame the polity in Ibadan and the state in general with reckless and unverified statements. We advise him to keep his mouth shut and take his divisive politics elsewhere rather than dragging Ibadan into unnecessary controversy.”
Makinde Will Not Undermine Olubadan – CCII
Ajewole also described Fayose’s intervention as unwarranted, noting that the former governor had no role in the traditional or political structure of Ibadanland.
He stated, “Our own Governor Makinde is a true son of Ibadanland who would not do anything to undermine the institution of Olubadan.
“He is not in the same class and mould with Fayose who is ready to do anything for political gains.”
He added that dragging the revered Olubadan institution into partisan politics was both disrespectful and unacceptable.
Meanwhile, a media aide to the Olubadan, Adeola Oloko, also dismissed Fayose’s claim, saying there was no disagreement between the governor and the monarch.
“There is no rift between the governor and the Olubadan to warrant such moves. I don’t see the cause of friction between them,” he said.
Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the government had neither contemplated nor discussed any plan to remove the traditional ruler.
The CCII urged political leaders across the country to exercise caution and avoid statements that could threaten public peace, reiterating that the Ibadan people remain committed to protecting their traditional institutions.