An indigenous sociocultural group, Egbe Omo Ibadan Frontier, has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, to exercise restraint in his recent involvement in political affairs, warning that the revered Olubadan throne must not be dragged into partisan politics.
The group, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Olubadan stool occupies a unique and highly respected position in the history and traditional institution of Ibadanland, stressing that the throne has, from time immemorial, served as a unifying institution for all sons and daughters of Ibadan irrespective of their political affiliations.
According to the group, the sanctity and authority of the Olubadan institution derive largely from its position as a neutral meeting point for the people, rather than as an instrument for political contestation.
Egbe Omo Ibadan Frontier said while the Olubadan, as an individual and citizen, is entitled to his personal political opinions, such views should not be allowed to overshadow or diminish the revered traditional institution he now occupies.
The group expressed concern over what it described as the monarch’s “recent and increasingly noticeable involvement in the political terrain,” particularly at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are gradually gathering momentum.
It cautioned that statements or actions perceived as political attacks from the occupant of the Olubadan throne could create unnecessary divisions among Ibadan people and undermine the traditional institution’s long-standing image as a symbol of unity.
“The Olubadan throne is bigger than any political party, bigger than any candidate and bigger than any political season. It belongs to all of us — the sons and daughters of Ibadanland.”
The group urged Oba Ladoja to preserve the dignity and exalted status of the throne by refraining from political rhetoric or actions that could be interpreted as partisan, stressing that the monarch’s words carry considerable weight and influence among the people.
It further appealed to political actors and their supporters to respect the traditional institution and avoid turning the palace into an arena for political confrontation.
“We are entering a political season, and we understand that politicians will naturally engage in campaigns, criticism and counter-criticism. But the palace should remain above these contests. The Olubadan must remain the father of all.”
Egbe Omo Ibadan also warned that the people of Ibadanland would not remain silent if the revered institution was continuously subjected to political controversies.
The group said it would continue to speak whenever necessary to defend the dignity, neutrality and prestige of the Olubadan stool, insisting that its intervention was not aimed at disrespecting the monarch but at protecting an institution that belongs collectively to the people of Ibadan.
“We respect His Imperial Majesty and the ancient institution he occupies. Our position is therefore not an attack on the person of Oba Ladoja. It is a passionate appeal from concerned sons and daughters of Ibadanland that the throne must be protected from political coloration.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch the Olubadan throne, which has always been a centre point for all Ibadan people, dragged into political battles. We appeal to Kabiyesi to rise above the fray and keep the throne exalted.”
The group further urged all stakeholders in Ibadanland, including political leaders, traditional chiefs, community leaders and youth organisations, to collectively protect the dignity of the Olubadan institution.
It maintained that political seasons would come and go, governments would change and politicians would rise and fall, but the traditional institution would remain for generations.
Egbe Omo Ibadan therefore called on Oba Ladoja to use his revered position to promote peace, unity and reconciliation among Ibadan people, rather than becoming involved in political exchanges capable of creating unnecessary divisions.
The group concluded that the Olubadan throne must remain a symbol of unity, stability and collective identity for Ibadanland — above party politics and beyond the interests of any individual political actor.
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