The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Sunday, confirmed that recent issues between the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, have been amicably resolved, declaring that external forces that attempted to escalate the situation have been defeated.
The council, in a statement released by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, said Ibadan elders and prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city have resolved the issue following concerns over tensions between the governor and the monarch.
The CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, explained in the statement on Sunday that the disagreement had been addressed through internal dialogue and traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms in Ibadanland.
The PUNCH reports that former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had earlier alleged that Governor Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan, a claim both the state government and the palace have repeatedly denied.
Fayose, in a post on his X handle, insisted that recent political developments were being misinterpreted as part of a wider plan targeting the monarch.
He said, “Those who are still in doubt, Governor Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events,” adding that counter-allegations against the monarch were part of an orchestration to justify action against him.
Meanwhile, the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, had distanced himself from alleged impeachment discussions against the governor, saying he was not involved in any such arrangement and would not participate in actions capable of destabilising the state.
He said, “The issues between Governor Makinde and the Olubadan have been resolved amicably, and the external forces that attempted to create a crisis around the situation have been defeated,” he said.
However, Ajewole emphasised that the development reflects the strength of Ibadan’s internal leadership structure and the long-standing relationship between the two leaders.
“The disagreement never reached a level that required outside interference because Ibadan elders and stakeholders promptly intervened.
“Nobody is planning to impeach Governor Makinde, and nobody is also planning to remove the Olubadan from his throne. Attempts by external actors to escalate the situation are unnecessary and unhelpful, noting that Ibadan has the capacity to manage its own affairs.
“The relationship between the governor and the Olubadan remains rooted in mutual respect and a father-and-son bond.
“If there is any disagreement between the governor and the Olubadan, it will always be settled internally because their relationship is that of a son and father,” the CCII PG explained.
He noted that Ibadan elders and stakeholders acted swiftly to ensure peace and unity prevailed, stressing that the traditional and political institutions in Ibadan possess the wisdom and experience required to resolve sensitive matters.
The CCII leader warned individuals and groups who attempted to fan the flames of the disagreement to desist from further actions, noting that the situation has once again demonstrated that Ibadan can handle its internal matters without external interference.
Ajewole then urged residents of Ibadan and the wider Oyo community to remain calm and continue supporting efforts aimed at sustaining peace and development.
The CCII PG commended the governor’s performance in office for his giant strides in the state and Ibadan city in particular, infrastructural development, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, employment opportunities and improved security, among others
Ajewole also praised the Olubadan’s leadership and vision for the ancient city.
“We also appreciate the Olubadan for his commitment to the growth and development of Ibadan, particularly through innovative committees, including economic and anti–land-grabbing committees and his efforts at ensuring Ibadan becomes an economic powerhouse in Nigeria and West Africa.”
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to preserving harmony among Ibadan’s leadership and protecting the unity of the ancient city.
Meanwhile, the Association of Igbo Residents in Ibadanland, Oyo State, has declared its total support for Makinde, warning Fayose not to destabilise the state over the alleged dethronement of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
