A ranking member of the Olubadan-In-Council and Balogun of Ibadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has warned against the growing intersection between traditional authority and partisan politics in the state. Westernmirror reports.
This was as he declared that any Oba and member of the Olubadan In-council must make a clear choice between the throne and political involvement, regardless of the Gazette status.
Speaking during a press conference held at his Sanyo palace in Ibadan on Friday, amid swirling political tensions and rumours of discord within Oyo State’s power structure, the Ibadan monarch dismissed insinuations of a crisis between governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, insisting that elders are already managing any underlying concerns between the duo.
Oba Ajibola, who is next in line to the Olubadan in heirachy, however, took a firm stance on what he described as a dangerous drift by some traditional office holders into partisan alignments.
“Gazette or no gazette, once you are a member of the Olubadan-In-Council, you cannot participate in partisan politics. You must choose — it is either the throne or politics,” he said.
The Balogun stressed that traditional institutions must remain neutral to preserve their moral authority and avoid fueling division within the state.
According to him, the role of traditional rulers is to serve as custodians of culture and mediators in times of tension, not actors in political contests.
“You cannot serve two masters. The moment a traditional ruler begins to show political affiliation, that is where the problem starts,” he added.
His remarks come against the backdrop of widespread speculation over alleged political manoeuvres in the state, including claims and counter claims of impeachment plots against the governor and the Olubadan.
Dismissing such claims as exaggerated, the Ibadan chief maintained that there was no plan by any group within the traditional council to undermine the governor or government.
“There is no crisis in Ibadan. Our elders are on top of the situation, and we know how to resolve our issues internally,” he said.
He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, noting that rumours, if left unchecked, could threaten the fragile balance of peace in the state.
While acknowledging that politics remains an integral part of governance, the Balogun warned that dragging traditional institutions into partisan struggles could have far-reaching consequences for security and unity.
“It affects stability, it affects security, and it affects the unity of the state. That is why we must be careful,” he said.
The high chief further revealed that consultations are ongoing among elders to address any grey areas and reinforce discipline within the Olubadan hierarchy.
He emphasized that respect for constitutional order must guide all actions, noting that the era when traditional rulers wielded unchecked political power has long passed.
“Today, governance is guided by law. Traditional rulers must operate within that framework and avoid actions that could undermine it,” he stated.
Reassuring residents, he called for calm and urged the public to disregard alarmist narratives, insisting that Ibadan remains peaceful and stable.
“We are working to ensure that nothing disrupts the peace we have built over time. People should remain calm. There is no cause for alarm,” he said.
Fielding questions from journalists on the controversy surrounding the coronation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Ajibola warned against involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics to avoid dragging the integrity of the throne in the mud.
He said he would expect the Olubadan to rebuke him, if found getting involved in partisan bias. He explained that even if his biological son would venture into politics, a clear line would be drawn to protect the sanctity of the exalted throne.
He specifically cautioned Oba Sharafadeen Alli against taking steps that he said may boomerang in the future while advising the serving senator to choose between the Olubadan throne or politics.
He added that Oba Alli had long being in the Olubadan In-council and has continued to draw salary and other allowances for members till date.
He stressed that by reason of the amended Chieftaincy Laws of Oyo state, members of the Olubadan In-council are automatic members of Oyo state council of Obas and are duty bound to maintain political neutrality at the highest level.
Also present at the Balogun’s palace were other lesser monarchs under his traditional domain.
