By Babatunde Olayiwola
It is sad and deeply disappointing to see Dare Adeleke, at his age and with the responsibility that comes with being a public commentator, attempting to drag the revered institution of the Olubadan of Ibadanland into needless political controversy.
Adeleke’s article is not merely a criticism of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; it is an unfortunate attempt to question the integrity of a respected traditional institution because the occupant does not appear to fit into his preferred political narrative.
One wonders why Adeleke has suddenly become so concerned about the sanctity of the Olubadan stool. If he genuinely understands Ibadan history and tradition, he should know that the Olubadan institution is far bigger than the political calculations of any individual or political party.
Oba Ladoja is not an accidental occupant of the throne. He is a distinguished Ibadan son, former Governor of Oyo State, statesman and traditional ruler whose public record and pedigree speak for themselves.
Before people such as Adeleke, Adigun Ibadan and Akolade Bello throw stones at the Olubadan, they should first ask themselves what their own families have contributed to the development, growth and advancement of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
What is particularly disturbing is the ease with which some individuals have resorted to insulting a monarch who commands respect across Ibadanland. Disagreement with Kabiyesi is legitimate, but disagreement does not confer a licence to ridicule the throne or denigrate its occupant.
Adeleke’s attempt to suggest that the Olubadan should resign because he received political leaders at his palace is equally difficult to sustain. Traditional rulers receive politicians, government officials, businessmen, religious leaders and ordinary citizens. Such engagements do not automatically make the palace a political party secretariat.
If receiving APC leaders makes a traditional ruler an APC member, then the same logic would mean every politician who visits a traditional palace has somehow converted the palace into a campaign office. That argument is intellectually weak and unnecessarily mischievous.
The Olubadan does not cease to be father to all Ibadan indigenes because he receives people from one political persuasion. Indeed, the responsibility of a traditional ruler is to maintain peace, dialogue and unity among his subjects, irrespective of their political differences.
Adeleke should also be reminded that the Olubadan is a traditional institution with a history that predates the current political actors and will certainly survive them. Neither the APC, PDP nor any other political party owns the Olubadan throne.
It is therefore reckless to demand the resignation of Oba Ladoja simply because his public engagements do not conform to Adeleke’s political expectations. The crown is not a campaign badge, and neither is the palace a property of any political party.
One is also tempted to ask whether Adeleke is truly familiar with Ibadanland and its traditions. Does he know the history of the families and compounds that constitute the foundation of Ibadan? Does he understand the sacrifices made by the city’s illustrious sons and daughters over generations?
Rather than engaging in personal attacks against the Olubadan, Adeleke should present facts and engage issues responsibly. Ibadan does not need commentators who exploit political disagreements to insult traditional institutions.
The same warning applies to Adigun Ibadan and Akolade Bello. They should be reminded that public criticism must have boundaries. Nobody is above criticism, but respect for age, tradition, office and historical contribution should remain part of our public culture.
Oba Ladoja has occupied several important positions in public life. He has served Oyo State as Governor and now occupies the revered Olubadan throne. Those who seek to diminish his stature should first demonstrate comparable contributions before embarking on a campaign of public ridicule.
Most importantly, Ibadanland must not allow partisan politics to destroy its cherished traditional values. Political contests come and go; governments change; politicians rise and fall. But the Olubadan institution remains a symbol of Ibadan’s identity, history and unity.
Dare Adeleke is entitled to his political opinions, but he should not mistake political disagreement for a licence to insult the Olubadan. The people of Ibadan are capable of distinguishing genuine advocacy from politically motivated attacks.
Kabiyesi Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja deserves criticism when warranted, but he also deserves the respect due to the office he occupies and the remarkable public journey that brought him to that throne.
Those who truly love Ibadan should build bridges, preserve its institutions and defend its dignity, not drag its revered traditional ruler into the mud of partisan politics.
Ibadan belongs to all of us, but its history must never become a casualty of political desperation.
