- By Dare Adeleke
It is utterly disgraceful for the Federal Government to exclude the Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, from the flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road project in his own state. The snub sends an unmistakable and disturbing signal of political hostility – not merely towards Governor Makinde, but towards the entire people of Oyo State.
The Federal Government has demonstrated a troubling disdain for the governor and, by extension, the electorate that gave him his mandate.
The feeble excuse that Governor Makinde was not invited because he was on leave is nothing short of diabolical balderdash. Oyo State has an Acting Governor in the person of the former Deputy Governor, who was fully capable of representing the state and performing whatever official duties were required at the event. If the Federal Government genuinely intended to treat the occasion as a government project rather than a political jamboree, there was absolutely no obstacle to extending an invitation to the state government.
Let the Federal Government be reminded that Oyo State and its people have every right to chart their own political course. Not everyone will kowtow to Tinubu.
Bola Tinubu was elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; not Supreme Leader of Nigeria. Yet what his administration increasingly appears determined to demonstrate is an alarming disregard for democratic institutions, as it tilts towards authoritarianism by attempting to stifle, intimidate and silence political opposition.
What is even more disappointing, however, is the conduct of Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.
As the father of all Ibadan indigenes and custodian of our cherished traditions, the Olubadan occupies a sacred position that demands impartiality, dignity and restraint. Unfortunately, Kabiyesi appears to have taken partisan political support far beyond what is healthy for the revered institution he represents.
That is deeply troubling.
As an Oba whose installation was made possible under an edict signed by Governor Seyi Makinde, the expectation should be nothing less than fatherly and non-partisan leadership for all Ibadan indigenes, regardless of their political affiliations. The palace should be a place where every political party feels welcome, not an extension of any political campaign.
It is therefore particularly troubling that Governor Makinde was conspicuously absent from the commissioning of a major road project within his own domain, while some traditional rulers were reportedly heard openly campaigning for Oyo State indigenes to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
At that point, one is compelled to ask: was this truly a government event, or was it simply an APC political rally wearing the costume of a state occasion?
The spectacle was made even more curious by the fact that several prominent APC figures, including Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Her Excellency Chief Mrs Florence Ajimobi, and other notable APC leaders in Ibadan, appeared to have wisely kept themselves away from what was fast becoming a celebration of political absurdity.
Sadly, Kabiyesi Ladoja chose to play to the gallery.
That is unfortunate, not merely for the man, but for the revered institution of the Olubadan itself.
The Olubadan throne is bigger than any political party. It is older than today’s political alliances and will outlive today’s politicians. Its authority derives from tradition, dignity and the confidence of the people, not from partisan applause.
If Kabiyesi Ladoja can no longer separate his responsibilities as Olubadan from partisan politics, then perhaps the honourable thing would be for him to openly join the APC as a partisan politician.
The recent gathering of APC stalwarts and their candidates at the sham of a road commissioning makes it difficult to escape the conclusion that Kabiyesi, the Olubadan, has resolved to lead the APC into the coming contest.
When the National Chairman of the APC visited Ibadan last week, he was received at the Olubadan’s Palace alongside APC candidates. They have effectively turned our palace into an APC secretariat. That sends a strong political signal.
Let it be clear – we will not keep quiet and watch an Oba breach the confidence reposed in him to be father to all.
The Yoruba elders say: “Omo eni o ba se idi bebere, ka fi ileke si idi omo elomiran.”
That sacred trust has been breached by our father.
If the Olubadan has decided to put the beads on President Tinubu, then he should honourably resign, hand over the staff of office and face the APC/Tinubu re-election campaign fully.
We are Ibadan. We are fearless.
At least then, there would be no ambiguity about Oba Ladoja’s role as an APC agent.
But as long as he wears the crown of the Olubadan, the throne must remain sacred, impartial and above partisan politics.
Ibadan and Oyo deserve nothing less.
Let it be known that no beneficiary of Governor Seyi Makinde’s magnanimity will be allowed to ridicule the office of the Governor of Oyo State.
Governor Makinde’s calmness is not weakness. It is respect for institutions.
And we, the people of Oyo State, will protect that institution.
We firmly believe that Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi will win the forthcoming election, and that His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde will be Nigeria’s next President, their silly games notwithstanding!
Dare Adeleke writes from Ibadan.
