‘Involvement’ in politics: Olubadan gets backing

A Baale in Ibadanland, Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, has defended the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, against allegation the monarch is involved in partisan politics ahead of 2027.

This came against the backdrop of a news conference addressed by an Olubadan-in-Council where he accused Oba Ladoja of engaging in political matters, calling on him to refrain from such.

But Akinpelu, speaking with reporters, said the issues raised at the conference is misleading, particularly non- attendance of meetings by Ladoja during the reign of Oba Samuel Odulana.

He said the stool of Olubadan should be respected, noting the ascension to Olubadan’s throne was by divination and not man-made.

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According, to him, Oba Ladoja waited for the appointed time to get to where he is today, without wishing his seniors on the lines evil, calling on others not to be desperate about the stool.

He said: “Oba Ladoja is a man of destiny; nobody should join forces to pull him down for their selfish interest. Within the short period he has spent on the throne, he has brought developments to the ancient city, including sanity in the areas of chieftaincy matters, land disputes and security by inaugurating local security personnel for protection of lives and property of Ibadan residents,” Baale Akinpelu said.

“I was the Personal Assistant to Oba Odulana and Oba Olakulehin. There is no iota of truth in the claim that the then High Chief Ladoja abandoned palace during their reigns.

“It is wrong for a member of Olubadan-in-Council to call a news conference without informing the Chairman of the Council, Oba Ladoja. If at all Oba Ladoja has done anything wrong, he should have being advised privately instead of going to the press.”