Fayose, the Mogaji, and a Throne That Must Stay Untouched
A political quarrel in Oyo State has crossed into territory many Ibadan indigenes consider sacred. Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose has dragged the Olubadan throne into his feud with Governor Seyi Makinde.
Based on the latest intelligence from the ‘Land of Honour and Integrity,’ Fayose accused Makinde of dismantling his political structure within the PDP’s South-west chapter. He claimed, first in April and again recently, that Makinde is secretly plotting to dethrone the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Both the governor’s office and the Olubadan’s palace have firmly denied this. In their estimation, the allegation is not only baseless; it is one with no connection to anything happening between the state government and the monarchy.
Expectedly, that denial has not stopped the backlash. Chief Olawale Oladoja, Mogaji of the Akinsola Family, issued a sharp warning to Fayose. He described the comments as reckless and demanded that Fayose leave Olubadan out of his “dirty politics.”
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes backed him fully. The council warned that Fayose’s remarks were inflammatory enough to “set Ibadan on fire” if left unchecked.
If readers wonder at the vehemency of these responses, it helps to note that the anger stems from what the Olubadan represents. The throne is considered a father figure to everyone in Ibadan, regardless of party. Suggesting a sitting governor wants it gone is no small accusation.
For many locals, there is a deeper sting. Fayose often calls Ibadan his place of origin. Using its monarchy as a political weapon, they argue, looks less like opposition politics and more like betrayal of home.
As the feud with Makinde continues, Ibadan’s position on the matter appears surprisingly consistent and strong: that politics will pass, but the Olubadan stool must remain untouched by it.
