The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has declared that no amount of name-dropping or political association with him will determine the outcome of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, insisting that only voters will decide who governs the state.
Ladoja made the remark on Wednesday in Ibadan while addressing journalists at his Bodija residence shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the next general election.
The monarch expressed concern that several governorship aspirants were allegedly leveraging his name to gain political mileage across communities in Oyo State, warning that such tactics would not translate into electoral victory.
“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But the populace will decide who rules them at the end of the day, not my name,” he said.
Ladoja, a former governor and senator, stressed that while he regards all politicians as “his children,” endorsement by traditional authority or perceived influence should not be mistaken for electoral guarantee.
He urged aspirants to focus on their records, competence and engagement with the electorate rather than relying on symbolic affiliations.
Speaking further, the traditional ruler condemned the recent abduction of 39 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as deeply troubling.
He, however, noted that security agencies were working behind the scenes to secure the victims’ release.
“Government and security agencies are trying their best. It’s just that they won’t tell you what they’re doing to secure the release of those abducted for security purposes,” he said.
Ladoja also raised concerns over increasing cases of land grabbing in Ibadan, warning that such activities would no longer be tolerated under the traditional institution’s watch.
He called for stricter enforcement of laws and community vigilance to preserve peace and order across Ibadanland, urging residents to resist unlawful acquisition of land.
The monarch’s comments come amid rising political realignments in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 polls, with aspirants intensifying consultations across local government areas.
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