CCII Blasts Fayose Over Olubadan Remarks, Warns Against Politicising Ibadan Throne

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes) has criticised former Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, over his recent comments on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), warning him to desist from dragging the traditional institution into partisan politics.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Olomide, the council described Fayose’s remarks as “highly provocative and unreasonable,” insisting they were capable of heating up the political atmosphere in Ibadan.

The council said it had earlier cautioned the former governor against involving the Olubadan stool in his political disputes, but lamented that he had failed to heed the warning.

CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, said Fayose’s comments during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today were particularly disappointing.

During the interview, Fayose had accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of weakening his political structure within the South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (Peoples Democratic Party), alleging political sidelining.

He also claimed to enjoy the support of influential figures in Ibadan, a statement the CCII said amounted to dragging the revered Olubadan institution into partisan matters.

Ajewole said the Olubadan of Ibadanland is a father to all indigenes, regardless of political affiliation, stressing that the throne must remain strictly non-partisan.

“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,” he said.

He added that it was unacceptable for any politician to associate the monarch with political camps or use the throne to gain political advantage.

“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,” he said.

Ajewole urged Fayose to “fight his political battles alone” and refrain from further comments that could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution.

He warned that attempts to politicise the Olubadan stool could erode its neutrality and long-standing role as a symbol of unity in Ibadanland.

“Ibadan is known for peace, wisdom and unity. No individual, regardless of political influence, can set Ibadan on fire through reckless political statements,” he said.

Ajewole also questioned Fayose’s remarks in light of his personal history in Ibadan, urging him to uphold the “Omoluabi” values associated with Yoruba culture.

He reaffirmed CCII’s commitment to protecting the integrity and non-partisan status of the Olubadan institution, insisting it must remain a unifying symbol for all indigenes regardless of political differences.