By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday renewed his allegation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, despite official denials from both the state government and the monarch’s palace.
Fayose, in a statement posted on his official X account, insisted that unfolding events would prove him right.
“Those who are still in doubt about Governor Seyi Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events,” Fayose wrote.
The former governor alleged that recent accusations leveled against the monarch were part of a broader plan to justify action against him.
“They denied any rift between Olubadan and Makinde after I made the same allegation public. But now, they are accusing the Olubadan of plotting to impeach Governor Makinde,” Fayose said.
He added that claims of partisanship against the monarch were “parts of the orchestration… to prepare grounds for the Olubadan to be queried.”
Fayose’s latest comments come amid fresh political tension in Oyo State. The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, has distanced himself from alleged moves by some lawmakers to impeach the governor.
Oyekola, who represents Atiba State Constituency, said in a statement on his verified Facebook page that he was not part of any such plan.
“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,” Oyekola said.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde, stating, “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 had initially made the allegation last week, writing on X: “I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
At the time, the media aide to the Olubadan dismissed the claim, saying there was no rift between the palace and the government.
“It will be most unfortunate if it is not a rumour. Though I read it just the way you read it online. I don’t see the cause of friction between the governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland,” the aide said.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, also rejected the allegation, describing it as baseless.
“By now, Nigerians know who and what to believe, especially when the information comes from a particular quarter. Oyo State Government has never contemplated, discussed, or planned such an action,” Oyelade said.
He added, “There has to be a credible motive for every government action, and this, coming from the unofficial spokesman of our opponents, is better put in the refuse dump where it belongs. Desperate politics foists thoughtless propaganda and reduces democracy into a joke.”
As of press time, Governor Makinde had not personally responded to Fayose’s renewed allegation, and the Olubadan’s palace maintained its earlier position that no rift exists with the state government.
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