IBADAN, Oyo State, Nigeria. The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), a prominent cultural organisation in southwestern Nigeria, has strongly criticised Ayodele Fayose, a former governor of neighbouring Ekiti State. On Sunday, April 12, 2026, the council dismissed his public assertions that Seyi Makinde, the current governor of Oyo State, is secretly planning to dethrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who serves as the highly revered traditional monarch of the ancient city.
Fayose ignited the regional controversy over the weekend when he published a statement on the social media platform X. He alleged that a formal government process to remove the traditional ruler was imminent. He stated: “I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
He further alleged: “The plot is to commence this week, with a government query to be issued against the Olubadan, citing his absence at the failed coronation of High Chiefs in Ibadanland two weeks ago, and other allegations.”
In a formal response, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, issued a statement through the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide. As Okay News reports, the cultural group described the comments from the former Ekiti State governor as misleading, provocative, and a dangerous attempt to bring political interference into the traditional institutions of Oyo State.
Ajewole expressed deep concern over the remarks, noting that they could ignite unnecessary tension in a region that deeply respects traditional order. He noted: “Ibadanland would not tolerate external attempts to destabilise its peace through careless political rhetoric. The allegation lacked credibility and should be disregarded by the public.”
Highlighting the strict customs guiding the monarchy, he added: “Matters relating to the Olubadan stool follow a well-established process that cannot be altered by political speculation.”
The president-general also warned the former governor against causing panic or distrust among the local population. He cautioned: “Fayose should not inflame the polity in Ibadan and the state in general with reckless and unverified statements. We advise him to keep his mouth shut and take his divisive politics elsewhere rather than dragging Ibadan into unnecessary controversy.”
Affirming confidence in the current state leadership, Ajewole stated: “Our own Governor Makinde is a true son of Ibadanland who would not do anything to undermine the institution of Olubadan. He is not in the same class and mould with Fayose who is ready to do anything for political gains,”
Following the widespread circulation of the allegations, officials within both the palace and the state government moved quickly to restore calm. Adeola Oloko, a media aide to the Olubadan, completely rejected the claims of a pending dethronement. He explained: “There is no rift between the governor and the Olubadan to warrant such moves. I don’t see the cause of friction between them,”
To further dispel the rumours by Monday, April 13, 2026, at West Africa Time (WAT), the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the state government has never contemplated or discussed any strategy to remove the traditional monarch. Community leaders continue to urge political figures across Nigeria to avoid making unverified statements that could disrupt public peace and regional stability.
