Conflict entrepreneurs, popularly known in Yoruba as Runasi, are individuals who thrive on creating and fuelling crises between two people, often to protect their personal interests. They exploit disagreements, widen existing gaps and sustain hostilities whenever reconciliation threatens their political or personal advantages.
Recently, I read an article condemning Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, for allegedly failing to congratulate Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his 82nd birthday and the first anniversary of his coronation.
The author made little effort to conceal his sentiments and disdain for both Makinde and Adekanmbi. Rather than use the occasion to celebrate the revered monarch, he turned it into an opportunity to vent his anger and advance a narrative against the two politicians.
Unfortunately, this is becoming a familiar pattern. Some individuals, in their desperation to demonstrate loyalty and curry favour, engage in unethical conduct capable of creating unnecessary tension between respected personalities. The Yoruba have a saying for such people: “Ó fa irun iwájú pọ̀ mọ́ ti ìpàkọ́” — a fitting description of those who pull the hair at the front and back of the head together, regardless of the pain or consequences.
The history of Ibadanland cannot be rewritten without acknowledging the role played by Governor Seyi Makinde in the emergence of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
As governor and a son of the soil, Makinde performed his constitutional and traditional responsibilities in honouring the revered monarch. His role in the installation of Oba Ladoja remains an important part of the recent history of Ibadanland.
However, certain political interests appear more comfortable with a widening gap between the governor and the Olubadan than with a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. These interests, rather than promote reconciliation, seem determined to sustain whatever differences may exist between the two leaders.
While the governor is constitutionally expected to serve all the people of Oyo State, the Olubadan, by virtue of his traditional position, is a father to all Ibadan people, irrespective of political affiliation.
Yet, it is an open secret that Oba Ladoja has maintained political affiliations and relationships with his political godson and elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including President Bola Tinubu’s political circle.
There is nothing inherently wrong with a traditional ruler having personal political relationships. However, such relationships should not become instruments for deepening divisions or undermining the cordial relationship between the throne and the government.
It is equally understandable that political developments and perceived shifts in allegiance may generate different reactions from those involved. Makinde, who named the Ibadan Circular Road and an estate after the Olubadan, has demonstrated public gestures of honour towards the monarch. It would therefore be unrealistic to expect political developments surrounding the relationship to attract no attention or reaction.
Oba Ladoja is a modest and politically experienced monarch. Nevertheless, feelers within the political environment suggest that his political sympathies currently lie more with the APC and the Tinubu political camp than with Makinde’s political interests. These are political observations and perceptions, not proof of any personal hostility between the governor and the monarch.
Makinde’s Presidential Ambition Should Be a Source of Pride to Ibadan
Beyond the present political differences, there is a fundamental issue that the Olubadan, the Mogajis and the entire Ibadan people must not lose sight of: the opportunity of having one of their own aspire to the highest political office in Nigeria.
The Yoruba saying, “Ọmọ wa kò ní ṣe ìdí bẹ́bẹ́ kí a kọ́ sí ìdí ọmọ elòmíràn,” reminds us of the importance of supporting our own rather than unnecessarily elevating the interests of outsiders above those of our own people.
Another popular saying, “Ọmọ wa ni, ẹ jẹ́ kó ṣe ” also speaks to the need to give our own son the opportunity to pursue his political aspirations.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported presidential ambition should, therefore, be a source of pride and reflection for Oba Ladoja, the Mogajis and the people of Ibadanland.
Regardless of political differences, the prospect of an Ibadan son aspiring to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is significant for the city and its people. If Makinde eventually emerges as president, Ibadanland could benefit from the opportunities, national visibility and development prospects associated with having one of its own occupy that office.
This is not to suggest that the Olubadan or any Ibadan indigene must abandon personal political convictions or automatically support Makinde’s ambition. Rather, it is an appeal to recognise that the interests of Ibadanland extend beyond party affiliations and the political calculations of the moment.
The question is simple: should political differences in 2026 be allowed to destroy relationships and possibilities that could matter to Ibadanland for decades to come?
The Olubadan is a father to all, and his throne transcends political parties. The Mogajis, as custodians of Ibadan’s traditional institutions, also have a responsibility to promote unity, peace and the collective interests of the ancient city.
The people of Ibadan should be able to celebrate the political achievements and aspirations of their sons without turning such occasions into battles of political supremacy.
### Life Goes Beyond the 2027 Elections
The conflict entrepreneurs must be warned to desist from fuelling crises between Governor Makinde and Oba Ladoja. Those who use every disagreement to promote hostility should reflect on the long-term consequences of their actions.
Life is far beyond the 2027 general elections. Political offices are temporary, administrations will change, and today’s political opponents may become tomorrow’s allies.
But Ibadanland will remain. Its traditional institutions, communities, families and generations yet unborn will continue to bear the consequences of the relationships being damaged today.
What exactly do the conflict entrepreneurs stand to gain if the relationship between the governor and the Olubadan deteriorates beyond repair? Who benefits when two prominent sons of Ibadan are pushed into needless antagonism?
Those who genuinely love Ibadanland should be encouraging dialogue, mutual respect and reconciliation, rather than exploiting perceived differences for political relevance, personal gain or access to power.
Oba Ladoja deserves respect as the Olubadan. Governor Makinde also deserves recognition for his role in the monarch’s emergence and his responsibilities in transforming the city as governor. Neither should be subjected to unnecessary attacks simply because their political interests may not always align.
The 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary of Oba Ladoja should have been an occasion to celebrate his life, leadership and contributions to Ibadanland, not another opportunity to deepen divisions.
The conflict entrepreneurs must understand that no political ambition, party affiliation or personal interest is greater than the peace and unity of Ibadanland.
Ibadan needs bridge-builders, not crisis merchants. It needs people who can bring the throne and the government closer, not those who profit from keeping them apart.
The future of Ibadanland is bigger than the political calculations of 2027. Let peace prevail, let mutual respect endure, and let the collective interests of Ibadanland take precedence over the ambitions of conflict entrepreneurs.
Adesoji Kabir , a public analyst write from Ibadan
