Don’t rely on my name, Olubadan tells aspirants

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has cautioned politicians eyeing the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State against believing that association with his name would automatically guarantee electoral victory.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of the state, spoke on Wednesday while reacting to reports that several governorship aspirants have been linking themselves with him ahead of the next election cycle.

The monarch said he had no objection to politicians identifying with him, noting that all political actors in the state were his children. He, however, stressed that voters would ultimately decide who emerges governor based on competence, popularity and past performance.

“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But the populace will decide who rules them at the end of the day, not my name,” the traditional ruler said.

Speaking on the recent abduction of 39 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, the Olubadan described the incident as unfortunate and expressed confidence in ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure the victims’ release.

According to him, security operatives and government officials were working behind the scenes to address the situation, although details of their operations could not be made public for security reasons.

“Government and security agencies are trying their best. It’s just that they won’t tell you what they’re doing to secure the release of those abducted for security purposes,” he added.

The monarch also condemned the activities of land grabbers in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State, reiterating his opposition to illegal land dealings and warning perpetrators to desist from such acts.