Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja on Sunday denied a claim by former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose that there is a plan to remove the monarch.
Mr Fayose had written on his social media page that he received information that the Oyo State governor was planning to remove Oba Ladoja from his position.
He said the move would begin with a government query over the monarch’s absence at a recent coronation of high chiefs in Ibadanland and other allegations.
“I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,” Fayose wrote.
“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, media aide to the Olubadan Adeola Oloko, said the claim had no basis and there was no disagreement between the governor and the monarch.
“It will be most unfortunate if it is not a rumour. Though I read it just the way you read it online. I don’t see the cause of friction between the governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he said.
Mr Oloko added that there was nothing to suggest any plan to remove the monarch.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Dotun Oyelade also denied the claim, saying the government had neither discussed nor considered such a move.
“By now, Nigerians know who and what to believe, especially when the information comes from a particular quarter,” he said.
“Oyo State Government has never contemplated, discussed, or planned such an action.”
He added that there must be a clear reason for any government action and said the claim should not be taken seriously.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) also criticised Fayose over the claim, saying it could create tension in Ibadanland.
In a statement by its publicity secretary Kola Olomide, the council described the claim as misleading and said it should be disregarded.
CCII president-general Ajeniyi Ajewole said the comment was capable of causing unrest and warned against statements that could affect peace.
“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,” he said.
Mr Ajewole added that matters relating to the Olubadan stool follow an established process and cannot be influenced by political claims.
“Matters relating to the Olubadan stool follow a well-established process that cannot be altered by political speculation,” he said.
He cautioned Fayose against making statements that could mislead the public or create distrust among residents.
“Fayose should not inflame the polity in Ibadan and the state in general with statements that are not verified,” he said.
Ajewole also said Fayose had no role in the traditional or political structure of Ibadanland and should avoid comments that could lead to unnecessary controversy.
He urged political leaders to exercise caution in their public statements, adding that Ibadan people remain committed to protecting their traditional institution and maintaining peace.
