Olubadan Ladoja Issues Stern Warning Against Politicizing Traditional Throne
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has firmly dismissed as false and fabricated claims that he is involved in any scheme to unseat Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde. In a statement released on Tuesday by his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch described the allegation as a deliberate attempt to drag the revered Olubadan throne into the murky waters of partisan politics, labeling it a blatant lie.
Monarch Denies Involvement in Impeachment Plots
Oba Ladoja emphasized that it is inconceivable for any traditional ruler to be linked with impeachment plots, highlighting that the constitutional framework of Nigeria does not confer such powers on monarchs. He stated, "You don’t have to be a former governor or distinguished senator to know that a monarch has no power to impeach a local government chairman, not to talk of a state governor." This underscores the legal limitations placed on traditional institutions in political matters.
Concerns Over Misinformation and Contradictory Narratives
The monarch expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation in the political landscape. He pointed out a glaring contradiction in recent political narratives, referencing a claim made less than 24 hours earlier by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, which alleged a purported plot to remove the Olubadan. Oba Ladoja noted that the latest allegation now suggests the monarch is plotting against the governor, leading him to question, "This becomes intriguing. Less than 24 hours ago, it was alleged that the governor was planning to remove the Olubadan. Today, it is the Olubadan who allegedly wants to impeach the governor. So, who is fooling who?"
Caution Against Erosion of Public Trust
Oba Ladoja issued a strong caution against attempts to politicize traditional institutions, warning that such actions could severely erode public trust and respect for the monarchy. He urged the public to disregard the baseless claims and refrain from dragging the Olubadan stool into what he termed "dirty politics." The monarch stressed the importance of preserving the integrity and neutrality of traditional roles in society, which are meant to foster unity and cultural heritage rather than partisan conflicts.
This statement comes amid heightened political tensions in Oyo State, with the Olubadan reaffirming his commitment to maintaining the dignity of his throne and avoiding entanglement in electoral or governmental disputes. The warning serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between traditional authority and modern political dynamics in Nigeria.
