Dare Babalola
Political tension in Oyo State has resurfaced following renewed claims by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, alleging a covert plan to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, despite repeated denials from both the state government and the palace.
Fayose, who made his position known via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, insisted that unfolding political developments would validate his earlier claims against Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“Those who are still in doubt should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events,” he stated, suggesting that recent accusations directed at the monarch were part of a calculated attempt to build a case for his eventual removal.
The former governor further argued that initial denials of any discord between the state government and the Ibadan traditional institution were misleading, claiming that new narratives accusing the Olubadan of political interference were being orchestrated to justify disciplinary action against him.
“They denied any rift but now, they are accusing the Olubadan of plotting to impeach Governor Makinde,” Fayose said, describing the development as “part of the orchestration to prepare grounds” for official sanctions against the monarch.
His comments come at a time when political actors within the state are also distancing themselves from separate allegations of an impeachment plot targeting the governor.
The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, has publicly denied involvement in any such move.
In a statement, Oyekola stressed his non-participation in any alleged scheme capable of destabilising the state, declaring, “I hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements.”
He also reaffirmed his allegiance to the governor, adding, “I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss, I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State.”
Fayose’s latest assertions revive a controversy that had earlier been dismissed by both the Oyo State Government and representatives of the Olubadan-in-Council.
The monarch’s media aide had previously downplayed reports of friction, noting that there was no known basis for conflict between the palace and the government.
Similarly, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, had rejected the allegation outright, describing it as unfounded and politically motivated.
“Oyo State Government has never contemplated, discussed, or planned such an action,” Oyelade said, adding that such claims lacked credibility and should be disregarded.
