Fayose Alleges Makinde's Plot to Dethrone Olubadan, Calls for Public Attention
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of actively planning to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, from his throne. In a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Fayose urged those skeptical of the alleged plot to keep their fingers crossed and closely monitor unfolding events in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Details of the Alleged Conspiracy Against the Monarch
Fayose pointed to specific actions by Governor Makinde as part of a broader strategy to undermine the Olubadan. He highlighted that Makinde's administration has issued a government query over Oba Ladoja's absence at a recent coronation event, which Fayose interprets as a preliminary move in the plot. Despite previous denials of any rift between the governor and the monarch, Fayose, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insists that the scheme is ongoing and intensifying.
According to Fayose, the governor is orchestrating accusations against the Olubadan, including claims that the monarch is plotting to impeach Makinde and engaging in partisan political activities. These allegations are designed to create grounds for querying and potentially removing Oba Ladoja from his position, Fayose asserted, emphasizing that such tactics reveal a calculated effort to destabilize the traditional institution.
Public Reactions and Broader Political Context
The allegations have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern and skepticism. Users on X, formerly Twitter, commented on the situation, with some drawing parallels to past conflicts involving Makinde and other traditional rulers, while others questioned the governor's motives and mental state. For instance, one user noted, He has already released a statement indicting the Olubadan as being partisan, suggesting a deliberate campaign against the monarch.
In a related development, Fayose also launched a fresh attack on Makinde over financial matters, alleging that the governor received N50 billion from the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Fayose claims this was a special intervention fund following an explosion in Ibadan in January 2024, though he provided documentary evidence to support this assertion. This adds another layer to the ongoing political tensions between the two figures.
Implications for Traditional Governance and Political Stability
The situation raises significant questions about the relationship between state governments and traditional institutions in Nigeria. If true, Makinde's alleged plot could undermine the authority and cultural significance of the Olubadan, a key figure in Ibadan's heritage. It also highlights the volatile nature of political rivalries within the PDP and broader Nigerian politics, where accusations and counter-accusations often dominate public discourse.
As events continue to unfold, stakeholders are advised to remain vigilant. The outcome of this alleged plot could have lasting impacts on governance, tradition, and community cohesion in Oyo State, making it a critical issue to watch in the coming months.
