The Olubadan Palace has dismissed reports suggesting a rift between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing such claims as misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the monarch’s Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, the palace insisted that there is no disagreement between the traditional ruler and the governor.
“The attention of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has been drawn to trending news that there is a rift between His Excellency, the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Kabiyesi Olubadan,” the statement read.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift between Kabiyesi and the governor.”
The palace also debunked reports claiming that the Olubadan left Ibadan to avoid a planned coronation ceremony scheduled for April 3. It clarified that the monarch remains in Ibadan, is in good health, and continues to perform his official duties.
“We wish to make it clear that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan and carrying out his responsibilities as Olubadan,” the statement added.
According to the palace, the coronation did not hold as planned because the three High Chiefs involved had informed the monarch of their unavailability and requested a postponement. This development, it said, was duly communicated to the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The state government had earlier scheduled the ceremony at Mapo Hall, where High Chiefs Sharafadeen Ali, Kol Babalola, and Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin were to be elevated to the status of Obas.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation over the monarch’s whereabouts and the status of his relationship with the state government.
