Ibadan natives caution politicians to show respect to Olubadan or face backlash

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes issued a stern warning to politicians in Oyo State, particularly those in Ibadan, on Monday, cautioning them against disrespecting the revered stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as any such attempt would be met with severe repercussions.

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CCII President-General Ajeniyi Ajewole conveyed this warning through a statement released by the council's Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, amidst growing concerns over the increasing incidence of reckless utterances and conduct by some power-seeking politicians in the state.

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Ajewole emphasized that recent actions by certain political actors had overstepped acceptable boundaries, posing a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland, and stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool.

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The CCII warned that it would not stand idly by and watch the Olubadan throne be desecrated for political gain, and reiterated that the stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times.

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Ajewole noted that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation, and that all politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan who must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

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The CCII President-General cautioned that any attempt to cast aspersions on the person of the Olubadan and the stool, followed by a subsequent apology, would no longer be tolerated, and that those who disrespect the stool must be prepared to face the consequences.

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Ajewole stated that the palace can never be used as a pawn by any politician, as it is a symbol of strength and unity, and warned that this is the last time such disrespect would be condoned, urging politicians to be warned and to be prepared for the consequences of their actions.

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The council reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state, while expressing strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents.

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Such conduct was described as irresponsible and unacceptable by the CCII, which urged political actors to exercise restraint and warned that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

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Ajewole called for maturity in political engagement, emphasizing that politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility, and urged all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.

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The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.