...as Fayose, Speaker, Ajimobi, lawmakers at the centre of controversy
Oyo State, known as the Pace Setter State, is currently engulfed in serious political turmoil and confusion over alleged plots to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the purported plan to impeach the Governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde. These issues portend ominous signs and are capable of destabilising not only the state but the country.
These two issues, linked together, have created serious uncertainty, unsettling both political and traditional circles in the state. There have been accusations, allegations, and several denials from all those allegedly involved.
The ongoing controversies are believed to have stemmed from the recent elevation of some High Chiefs in the Olubadan-in-Council to the position of kings with beaded crowns. This was done in the absence of both the Olubadan and the chiefs, by Governor Seyi Makinde, and has developed to a level that is presently tearing apart both government and traditional institutions.
The three High Chiefs elevated by Makinde to the position of Obas with beaded crowns, despite their absence, are High Chief Akeem Adewoyin (Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland), High Chief Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland), and High Chief Sharafadeen Alli (Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland).
These chiefs had earlier declined invitations from the state government, stating that they would not be available for the ceremony. Despite this, they were eventually declared Obas by the Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal, who represented the governor.
Obas With Initiation Rites
Although the Olubadan is expected to be present at such an event, which involves traditional rites to legitimise the status of the new Obas, he was absent and did not perform the rites.
It was, therefore, alleged that the absence of Oba Ladoja infuriated Governor Makinde, who reportedly believed that the monarch’s action undermined his authority and, as such, was determined to dethrone him. Oba Ladoja is regarded as one of the most powerful, wealthy, and influential Olubadans in recent times, having been a former senator, governor, and businessman.
The person who brought the alleged removal plan to public attention was the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose. He claimed that Governor Makinde planned to remove Oba Ladoja for ignoring the coronation of the elevated Obas, which he argued did not emanate from the Olubadan Palace, where such nominations should originate.
It was alleged that Makinde acted independently, using an amendment to the state’s chieftaincy law to his advantage. His action was widely viewed as usurping the traditional role of the Olubadan and seen as an affront to the monarch.
Agent Provocateur
Fayose, in a post published via X, alleged that the removal of Oba Ladoja would begin with a query from the state government.
He claimed that the query would be based on the monarch’s absence from the coronation ceremony.
“I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,” he alleged.
To demonstrate the seriousness of his claim, Fayose personally visited Oba Ladoja at his palace in solidarity.
Although details of their private discussion were not made public, Fayose reiterated his position while speaking with journalists afterward.
He said he came to Ibadan to identify with the monarch and cautioned Governor Makinde to tread carefully in the final days of his tenure.
“I would like to warn Governor Makinde to learn from how his predecessors generated issues in their last days in office,” he said.
“I came to identify with him (Ladoja) because of the latest issue that arose from my revelation.”
“Nobody in this country has ever said what Fayose said has been contradicted by his actions over time. So, whatever I say is either based on reliable information or privileged knowledge.”
Fayose also referenced the issue of N50 billion compensation allegedly received by the Oyo State Government from the Federal Government for victims of the explosion in Bodija Estate, Ibadan. He claimed the government initially denied receiving the funds but later admitted receiving N30 billion, which he said was not publicly disclosed until he exposed it.
Action and Reactions
However, almost simultaneously with Fayose’s outburst, another allegation emerged suggesting that Oba Ladoja and other prominent figures, including Mrs Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former governor Abiola Ajimobi, were involved in plans to impeach Governor Makinde.
It was alleged that the Speaker of the State Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, and some lawmakers were being used for the plot, possibly with federal backing.
Further complicating the issue was the mention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Speaker was allegedly induced with N250 million for himself and N1 billion for other lawmakers at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Lagos.
It was also alleged that Ogundoyin was being wooed to join the APC with a promise of an automatic ticket to the House of Representatives as part of the impeachment arrangement.
As the confusion intensified, all parties and individuals mentioned denied involvement. However, these denials did little to calm the situation, with many suggesting that not all the facts had been fully disclosed.
War of Words
Reacting to the controversy, the Oyo State Government dismissed claims of any plan to remove Oba Ladoja, describing them as false.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, described Fayose’s claims as blatant lies laced with political falsehood.
He stated that the government had never discussed, intended, or considered issuing any query against the monarch, describing the rumours as propaganda aimed at creating tension.
Similarly, the Olubadan, through his media aide, Adeola Oloko, denied both allegations of his removal and involvement in any impeachment plot.
The monarch described the claims as false, illogical, and baseless, noting that the palace maintains a cordial relationship with the government.
On the impeachment issue, the Olubadan clarified that he has no constitutional role in such a process.
However, the impeachment allegation continues to generate controversy, with many residents remaining sceptical despite denials from all parties involved, including lawmakers who have pledged loyalty to Governor Makinde.
Yes, But No
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, denied allegations that he received money from APC proxies to facilitate the impeachment of Governor Makinde.
He described the claims as false and politically motivated, stating that he was not present at any meeting where money exchanged hands.
However, his statement raised questions when he admitted that he had been approached with offers, which he declined.
“I was presented with juicy offers and opportunities, but I declined without hesitation because nothing can sway my conscience or weaken my loyalty to the governor, the party, and the people,” he said.
Ogundoyin maintained that he remains committed to upholding the integrity of the House and would not be part of any plot to destabilise the government.
He also clarified that his visit to Oba Ladoja was purely consultative and unrelated to any political scheming.
Mrs Ajimobi also denied any involvement in the alleged impeachment plot.
In a statement, the former First Lady and ambassador-designate to Austria described the allegations as entirely false and a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation.
She denied attending or hosting any meeting where impeachment or destabilisation of the Oyo State Government was discussed.
APC vs PDP
Reacting to the controversy, the APC in Oyo State dismissed the alleged impeachment plot as a fabrication designed to distract the public.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described it as a poorly scripted narrative intended to generate sympathy for the governor.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) also reacted strongly, particularly on the alleged plan to remove the Olubadan.
CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, described Fayose’s comments as misleading, dangerous, and an attempt to politicise traditional institutions.
The council warned against external interference in Ibadan affairs and urged the public to disregard the claims.
Political observers noted that no sitting governor is immune from impeachment if there is strong backing from the Presidency.
They cited the example of Oba Ladoja himself, who was impeached as governor during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, allegedly with the support of the late Ibadan political leader, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.