A top member of the Olubadan-in-Council and Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has declared that the traditional institution risks being undermined if Obas, who are expected to be fathers to all, become involved in partisan politics.
The Balogun made this known on Friday, noting that the ongoing discourse on the intersection between traditional authority and partisan politics in Oyo State requires men of reason to speak up so that a clear line can be drawn between political and royal leadership.
Ajibola, who spoke at a press conference held at his Sanyo Palace in Ibadan, stated that any Oba or member of the Olubadan-in-Council must make a clear choice between the throne and political involvement, regardless of provisions in the gazette on the Ibadan traditional system.
He warned that it is dangerous for traditional rulers to drift into partisan politics, stressing that traditional institutions must remain neutral to preserve their moral authority and avoid fuelling division within the state.
He said: “Today, governance is guided by law. Traditional rulers must operate within that framework and avoid actions that could undermine it.
“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.
“You cannot serve two masters. The moment a traditional ruler begins to show political affiliation, that is where the problem starts.”
He also dismissed claims that a crisis is brewing between Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Oba Ajibola’s position comes amid allegations of plots to remove the Olubadan and impeach Governor Makinde, describing such claims as baseless and a mere ruse.
He stated that there is no plan by any group within the traditional council to undermine the governor or the 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 cautioned against the spread of misinformation, noting that false narratives are capable of disrupting the peace in the state.
Reassuring residents, he called for calm and urged the public to disregard alarmist reports, insisting that Ibadan remains peaceful and stable.
He, however, warned that while politics is an integral part of governance, dragging traditional institutions into partisan struggles could have far-reaching consequences for security and unity.
“It affects stability, security, and the unity of the state. That is why we must be careful.
“But 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.
Responding to questions from journalists on the controversy surrounding the coronation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Ajibola reiterated his warning against the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics to avoid dragging the integrity of the throne into disrepute.
He added that he would expect the Olubadan to caution Alli if he is found engaging in partisan bias, stressing that a clear line must be maintained to protect the sanctity of the revered throne.
Traditional rulers within the Balogun’s domain were present at the palace.
