The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has renewed its call on former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, to refrain from dragging the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, into political disagreements.
According to the council, the revered monarch must remain above partisan affairs.
The council said Fayose’s recent remarks linking the traditional ruler to ongoing political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party were inappropriate and capable of creating misconceptions about the throne.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, the council recalled that it had previously advised the former governor against involving the Olubadan in political contests.
CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, expressed concern that the monarch was once again being drawn into partisan debates following comments Fayose made during a televised interview while discussing his differences with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“The comments credited to former Governor Ayodele Fayose are highly provocative and unreasonable. They are capable of creating a wrong impression about the revered Olubadan institution and unnecessarily heating up the political atmosphere.
“The Olubadan of Ibadanland is the father of all sons and daughters of Ibadan, irrespective of political affiliation. It is completely unacceptable for anyone to drag the revered monarch into political contests or create the impression that he belongs to any political camp,” the council stated.
The CCII leader stressed that the Olubadan institution has maintained its respect and relevance through neutrality, fairness and its commitment to peace and unity in Ibadanland.
He warned that politicians should avoid statements that could undermine the dignity of the throne or trigger unnecessary tension, adding that political disagreements should be resolved without involving the traditional institution.
