…warns ex-gov against inciting tension in Ibadan
By Adeola Badru
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has launched an attack on former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over comments linking the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to ongoing political disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that no individual can destabilise Ibadan through inflammatory political rhetoric.
In a statement issued yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Olomide, the council condemned Fayose’s remarks as “highly provocative and unreasonable”, accusing him of repeatedly attempting to drag the revered monarch into partisan politics despite previous warnings.
The council said it was deeply disappointed by comments made by Fayose during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, where he accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of dismantling his political structure within the PDP in the South-West.
“He took all my structures and did a lot that is not fair in party politics,” Fayose said during the interview with Seun Okinbaloye.
The former governor further claimed that several influential figures in Ibadan were aligned with him in his political battle against Makinde.
“The current Olubadan was a colleague. We are all working together, including the Olubadan, including all Makinde’s enemies,” he stated.
Reacting to the comments, CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, said Fayose had once again ignored earlier cautions from the council by attempting to portray the Olubadan as a participant in partisan political contests.
“The comments credited to former Governor Ayodele Fayose are highly provocative and unreasonable. They are capable of creating a wrong impression about the revered Olubadan institution and unnecessarily heating up the political atmosphere,” Ajewole said.
He stressed that the Olubadan remained a symbol of unity for all Ibadan indigenes regardless of political affiliation and should never be drawn into political rivalries.
“The Olubadan of Ibadanland is the father of all sons and daughters of Ibadan, irrespective of political affiliation. It is completely unacceptable for anyone to drag the revered monarch into political contests or create the impression that he belongs to any political camp.
“Former Governor Ayodele Fayose should fight his political battles alone and leave the Olubadan out of his politics.
“The Olubadan throne is sacred, highly revered and strictly non-partisan. No politician, no matter how highly placed, should use the throne to score political points or settle political scores.”
Ajewole noted that the Olubadan institution has earned widespread respect through its neutrality, fairness and commitment to peace, warning that efforts to politicise the throne could erode its dignity and trigger unnecessary tension within Ibadanland.
He also cautioned Fayose against making statements capable of disturbing the peace of the ancient city, insisting that the former governor could not ignite unrest in Ibadan through divisive political comments.
“Ibadan is known for peace, wisdom and unity. No individual, regardless of political influence, can set Ibadan on fire through reckless political statements. We urge him to desist from inflammatory comments capable of creating unnecessary tension,” he said.
Questioning Fayose’s approach despite his long-standing ties to the city, Ajewole challenged the former governor to demonstrate gratitude for the hospitality he had received from Ibadan people.
“Fayose claimed that he was born, raised and started his business in Ibadan. Is this how he intends to repay the hospitality of the people of Ibadan, by denigrating the Olubadan throne, setting Ibadan sons and daughters against one another, and attempting to set the state on fire?” he queried.
The CCII President-General further urged Fayose to embrace the cherished Omoluabi values associated with the Yoruba people and to respect the sanctity of the Olubadan institution rather than using it as a tool in political confrontations.
Ajewole reaffirmed the council’s commitment to protecting the integrity, honour and non-partisan status of the Olubadan throne, insisting that the monarch must remain a unifying figure above political divisions and personal rivalries.
