Hundreds of members of the Ibadan indigenes within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, to resist pressures from politicians seeking to involve the revered throne in partisan matters.
The group, through its Chairman, Olowolayemo Dauda and Secretary, Jacob Aiki, in a statement made available to journalists, stressed that the traditional institution must remain neutral and dignified at all times, particularly as political contests heat up.
Speaking under the banner of the APC Ibadan Indigenes Caucus, the members emphasised that the Olubadan occupies a unique and respected position not only in Ibadanland but across Yorubaland.
“We pay homage to our revered monarch, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, who has continued to represent Ibadanland with dignity and honour on the throne.
“However, we are concerned that some politicians are attempting to hide under his respected position to seek endorsement for their personal political ambitions. As a father to all, he should not allow himself to be drawn into partisan politics.
“Olubadan should kindly allow politicians to manage their political affairs independently and give party members the freedom to elect leaders of their choice through due democratic processes.
His continued neutrality will further preserve the respect and unity he represents for all sons and daughters of Ibadanland”, the statement read
According to the group, the monarch’s reputation as a symbol of unity should not be compromised by political interest, while stressing that dragging the revered traditional ruler into political alignments could expose the throne to unnecessary controversies capable of diminishing its long-standing prestige.
They therefore urged the monarch to maintain a fatherly and impartial posture toward all political stakeholders, while reminding him that, as a royal father to all sons and daughters of Ibadanland irrespective of political affiliation, his neutrality remains essential to sustaining peace and harmony within the ancient city.
According to the group, the palace must remain a rallying point for unity rather than division, and so it cautioned politicians against attempting to use the monarch’s influence to advance personal ambitions. They warned that such actions could erode public confidence in both the traditional institution and the political process itself.
In their appeal, the group encouraged the Olubadan to allow political parties and their members to freely determine their candidates through established democratic processes. They insisted that internal party decisions should remain strictly within the domain of party structures and stakeholders.
While stressing that any perception of royal endorsement for specific political actors could generate avoidable tension among party faithful and residents of Ibadanland, the group stressed that maintaining neutrality would help preserve the integrity of both the throne and the democratic system.
The caucus reiterated that the Olubadan’s fatherly role places him above partisan contests and political rivalries, and as such, they urged him to continue offering equal royal blessings and moral guidance to all aspirants without appearing to favour any individual or group.
To the group, Ibadanland has always been known for its strong traditional heritage and political maturity, maintained that safeguarding the dignity of the throne would further strengthen the city’s reputation as a centre of stability and cultural pride in the region.
While expressing deep respect and loyalty to the monarch, the caucus concluded by appealing to him to remain a symbol of unity for all Ibadan indigenes and residents, an action which they believe would ultimately serve the best interests of Ibadanland and its people.
