Rashidi Ladoja has strongly dismissed viral claims suggesting he is behind a plot to impeach Seyi Makinde, describing the reports as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to stir tension.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch did not mince words: “To say the least, this is a lie.”
Ladoja stressed that no traditional ruler has the constitutional authority to remove an elected official, let alone a sitting governor. “You don’t have to be a former governor or a distinguished senator to know that a monarch has no power to impeach a local government chairman, let alone a state governor,” he said.
Reacting to what he called “conflicting narratives” in the political space, the Olubadan pointed to a recent claim by Ayodele Fayose, who alleged that the Oyo State Government was plotting to remove him as Olubadan. “Now, it is the Olubadan who is allegedly planning to impeach the governor. So, who is fooling who?” the statement queried.
The revered monarch warned against dragging the traditional institution into partisan politics, urging the public to disregard such rumours to prevent unnecessary tension in Oyo State.
He also reaffirmed that there is no rift between the palace and the governor, adding that he remains actively engaged in his duties. “We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift between Kabiyesi and Olori omo oba of Ibadanland,” the statement read.
The palace further clarified that the Olubadan did not leave Ibadan to avoid a scheduled coronation ceremony, noting instead that the concerned High Chiefs had requested a postponement due to their unavailability.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan, and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan.”
