Politics is, by nature, a contest of ideas, ambitions and interests. Yet every society has institutions that must stand above partisan noise. In Ibadanland, the Olubadan stool is one of them. It is more than a throne; it is the living symbol of our history, unity and moral compass, not only for Ibadan but also for all Oyo State residents.
That is why The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), being led by Mr Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, MANUPA, mspsp, is speaking early and plainly. TPFI, in a statement signed by the Forum’s Secretary, Prince Kola Amoo Adelakin and fully endorsed by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) under its President General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, advised former Governor Ayodele Fayose to tread with caution.
The concern followed comments credited to former Governor Fayose of Ekiti State during a recent Channels Television interview. While addressing his disagreement with Governor Seyi Makinde over PDP structure in the Southwest, he referenced His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as a colleague in the matter. To TPFI, that reference crossed the line.
“The Olubadan throne is sacred, deeply revered, and, by tradition, nonpartisan. It does not belong to any political camp. It belongs to every son and daughter of Ibadanland and to every resident of Oyo State who calls this land home”, the statement said.
A sacred vow that must be respected, TPFI recalled the solemn declaration made by Kabiyesi himself at his coronation ceremony in September last year in Mapo Hall. “Oba Rasidi Ladoja publicly declared that his past involvement in politics has been dropped into the heap of history and that he now belongs to all, no matter the political divides. That sacred vow must, therefore, be respected and the Olubadan must not be drawn back into partisan politics”, the Forum stated.
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“No matter how heated political disputes become, some boundaries must remain firm. Reducing traditional stools to mere talking points or tools for settling scores causes damage that extends beyond a single news cycle and weakens the very institutions people rely on for mediation, stability and a reminder of our shared identity when passions run high,” Mr. Oladejo further stated.
“Ibadan’s reputation was not built on noise. For centuries, this city has been known for peace, wisdom and unity even in disagreement. Restraint, not rhetoric, gave us that name”, TPFI noted.
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“No individual, however influential, can ‘set Ibadan on fire’ with careless words. But every fire begins with a spark. Those who have enjoyed Ibadan’s hospitality, whether born here or adopted by its spirit owe the city a duty to protect that peace”.
TPFI stressed that the counsel is not about choosing sides between former Governor Fayose and Governor Makinde. Both are entitled to their views and to robust media debate. That is democracy.
“The counsel is about method, not motive. Political battles should be fought with political arguments: facts, record and persuasion. Leave the Olubadan stool untouched. The palace must remain a rallying point for all, not a campaign tool for any”, the Forum insisted.
“The lesson is for everyone as 2027 approaches. Governor Makinde, former Governor Fayose and leaders across Oyo APC, PDP, ADC, LP, NDC, and every other party must remember this: respect for traditional institutions strengthens politics. Abuse of them weakens the State. Restraint will serve us all better than rhetoric in the months ahead.”.
Mr. Oladejo concluded, “Let the Olubadan palace remain what it has always been: the father’s house where every child of Ibadanland can sit, even when we disagree outside its walls. If that house loses its neutrality, we all lose our home. Olubadan Ladoja will not allow it to lose its neutrality”.
TPFI, therefore, urges all political actors to act with maturity, wisdom and respect for Ibadanland’s revered institutions, especially Olubadan stool.
