I have no anointed candidate for Oyo governorship, Ladoja reveals
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has said he has no anointed candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Ladoja, a former governor of the state, made this known Monday when he received the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate, Hazeem Gbolarumi, at his palace.
Gbolarumi, a former deputy governor, was accompanied by the PDP state Chairman, Abdulrahman Akinoso; Secretary, Biola Olanipekun; and other party chieftains. He said the visit was to seek the traditional ruler’s blessing and support ahead of the election.
“I am here to seek the royal blessing from the Olubadan. No one has come here. I am the first person to come here. I came here to seek your blessing so as to bless us. It is your work, sir,” Gbolarumi said. He also recalled Ladoja’s role in establishing the PDP in Oyo State in 1998.
In his remarks, Akinoso said the visit was necessary ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections. He said the party’s executive members and candidates considered it important to seek the support of the Olubadan before starting their campaign activities.
Responding, Ladoja said he had no preferred candidate among those seeking to govern the state in 2027. He said all the candidates were his children and should be treated equally.
“I want you to know that all the candidates are from the same house. I have no anointed candidate. All of you are from the same house. All the gubernatorial candidates are from my house. You are children of the Olubadan,” Ladoja said.
The Olubadan urged the candidates and their supporters to shun violence during the electioneering period, noting that political opponents could become allies in the future. “It is God that giveth power. He makes whoever He wants to make. Go and start your campaigns peacefully. Do not involve in violence. Your enemy today can be your best friend tomorrow,” he said, while praying for the success of all the candidates.
