Hands Off Olubadan: Mogaji Oladoja Warns Fayose Against Dirty Politics

The political landscape of the South-West has witnessed a fresh wave of verbal altercations following strong reactions to recent statements made by a former regional leader. A prominent traditional chief in Ibadan, Oyo State, has openly rebuked former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over his public criticisms directed at the sitting Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. ValidViewNetwork reports that the brewing friction highlights deep-seated political rivalries within the region’s main political actors. The ongoing dispute has quickly expanded beyond mere political disagreement, threatening to drag revered traditional stools into the center of partisan conflicts.

​The pushback against the former governor was led by the Mogaji of the Akinsola Family Compound in Ibadan, Olawale Oladoja, who issued a strong press statement in the Oyo State capital on Tuesday. In his official reaction, Oladoja characterized the former governor’s antagonistic stance as a reflection of what he termed an “irredeemable delusional disposition.” He voiced strong disappointment over the development, pointing out that the former Ekiti helmsman had historically enjoyed tremendous support from the Oyo State governor, ValidViewNetwork reports.

​The traditional representative noted that it was highly ironic for a political figure who frequently references his Ibadan roots and professes affection for the ancient city to target a leader actively working for its growth. “Governor Makinde has continued to transform Ibadan through infrastructure development and policies aimed at modernising the city, making Fayose’s criticisms difficult to understand,” Oladoja stated during his address. He further lamented that the former governor claims he was born in Ibadan and loves the city, but sadly appears to hate his place of birth so much that he is attacking the pride of Ibadan, which is transforming the city into a modern metropolis, ValidViewNetwork reports.

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​The main point of contention, however, centers on the need to insulate traditional institutions from political friction. Mogaji Oladoja strongly warned against involving the highest traditional office in the city in ongoing political vendettas, insisting that the royal father remains an impartial figure. “I want to caution Governor Fayose from dragging our highly revered Olubadan into his dirty politics. Kabiyesi is a father to all, and we will not allow anyone to disparage our royal father for political reasons,” the statement read. The Ibadan chief emphasized that it remains entirely unacceptable for anyone who has shown little regard for traditional institutions in his own state to attempt to bring the respected monarch into needless political controversy, ValidViewNetwork reports.

​ValidViewNetwork reports that this public intervention serves as a firm reminder to all political gladiators across the state to conduct their various campaign activities and grievances with absolute decorum and respect for historical institutions. Ultimately, by raising a shield around the royal stool, the traditional leadership in Ibadan has sent an unequivocal message that while political battles may wage ahead of future electoral cycles, the dignity, heritage, and integrity of the Olubadan stool will be fiercely defended against partisan exploitation, ensuring that the ancient throne remains a sacred symbol of unity for all citizens regardless of their political leanings.