No Rift Between Makinde, Olubadan — Ibadan Palace

The palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland has dismissed reports of a rift between Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1.

In a press statement signed by Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and issued on Friday, the palace described the claims of rift as false and misleading, insisting that there was no disagreement between both leaders.

“The attention of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has been drawn to trending news that there is a rift between His Excellency, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Kabiyesi Olubadan,” the statement read.

“We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift between Kabiyesi and Olori omo oba of Ibadanland.”

The palace also debunked reports suggesting that the monarch deliberately travelled out of Ibadan to avoid attending a scheduled coronation ceremony in Ibadan this Friday, April 3.

“In addition, the Olubadan did not travel out of Ibadan to avoid the coronation ceremony slated for Friday, April 3,” the statement added.

It further clarified that the monarch remained in Ibadan and was in good health.

“We wish to make it abundantly clear that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan, and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan.”

Addressing the status of the coronation ceremony, the palace revealed that the event would not go ahead as planned due to the unavailability of key individuals involved.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the three concerned High Chiefs due to be coronated have formally informed the Olubadan that they would be unavailable and have, therefore, asked for postponement,” the statement noted.

According to the palace, the development has been officially communicated to the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.