The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, on Friday disclosed that Ibadan elders have intervened in the dispute involving Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
He made the disclosure while addressing journalists at his private residence, Aladewura House, Sanyo, in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of the state.
Ajibola said the intervention was aimed at calming tensions and preventing further escalation of the matter.
“I want to allay the fears of our people in Ibadanland that there is no problem between Governor Seyi Makinde and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. Our elders in Ibadan have waded into the matter.
“You must have been hearing a lot on social media. We don’t want problems in Ibadan anymore. You remember the era of Operation Wetie. Ibadan is ready to settle the problem. Our elders are up to the task,” he said.
PUNCH Online reports that former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had earlier alleged that Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, despite denials from the state government and the palace.
Fayose, in a statement posted on his official X handle, claimed that recent accusations against the monarch were part of a broader plot to justify moves against him.
Also Read: Olubadan distances self from Makinde impeachment
He alleged that claims of partisanship against the Olubadan were part of a calculated effort to set the stage for disciplinary action, a claim that has continued to generate political tension in the state.
Meanwhile, the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, has distanced himself from alleged impeachment plots against the governor.
In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Oyekola said he was not involved in any such discussions and would not participate in actions capable of destabilising the state.
“I hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements,” he said.
Both Makinde and the Olubadan, through their respective media aides, have dismissed reports of a rift, describing them as unfounded rumours.
PUNCH NEWS
