Ibadan indigenes to Fayose: Don’t drag Makinde into ‘baseless’ Olubadan controversy

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By Adeola Badru

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has hit out at former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over his latest comments alleging a plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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Fayose had claimed that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, was planning to depose the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, an assertion that has drawn strong reactions from stakeholders in Oyo State.

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In response to the allegation, the CCII described Fayose’s remarks as baseless, provocative, and capable of inciting unrest within Ibadanland.

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In a statement issuedbby its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, the council said Fayose’s comments were not only misleading, but also a dangerous attempt to politicise traditional institutions.

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The statement quoted the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, as expressing deep concern over what he described as reckless interference in Ibadan affairs.

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Ajewole warned that Fayose’s remarks could generate unnecessary tension in a city known for respecting tradition and upholding order.

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He added that Ibadanland would not tolerate external efforts to destabilise its peace through what he termed careless political rhetoric.

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According to him, the allegation lacked credibility and should be dismissed by the public.

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Ajewole emphasised that matters relating to the Olubadan stool follow a well-established process which cannot be altered through political speculation.

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He cautioned Fayose against making statements capable of misleading the public or creating distrust among residents.

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“Fayose should not inflame the polity in Ibadan and Oyo State in general with reckless and unverified statements.“

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“We advise him to keep his mouth shut and take his divisive politics elsewhere rather than dragging Ibadan into unnecessary controversy,” the CCII President-General said.

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Ajewole further described Fayose’s intervention as unjustified, insisting that the former governor had no role within the traditional or political structure of Ibadanland.

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“Our own Governor Seyi Makinde is a true son of Ibadanland who would not do anything to undermine the institution of Olubadan, he is not in the same class and mould with fayose who is ready to do anything for political gains,” the statement added.

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He maintained that dragging the revered Olubadan institution into partisan debate was both disrespectful and unacceptable.

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The CCII President-General also called on political leaders across the country to exercise caution and avoid making statements that could disrupt public peace.

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Ajewole reaffirmed that the people of Ibadan remain committed to unity, stability, and the preservation of their traditional institutions, urging all stakeholders to resist any attempt to sow discord in the ancient city.

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