Open Letter to HIM, Oba Ladoja, on the sanctity of Olubadan stool and the call for political neutrality
pannigeriannews
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Baami Akanmu Olubadan,
I write this letter with the deepest respect for the stool you occupy and for the rich heritage of Ibadanland which that stool represents.
The Olubadan is not merely a king; he is the father of all Ibadan sons and daughters, the custodian of our tradition, and the symbol of unity for millions at home and abroad.
Your Imperial Majesty, today, you are the Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. You are no longer Senator Ladoja of the SDP, Governor Ladoja of the PDP, or the leader of UNCP, Accord, and Zenith Labour Party.
The moment you ascended the throne, history placed a new robe on your shoulders: the robe of fatherhood to all political divides, all religions, and all interests in Ibadan.
Recent reports in the public space have become a source of worry for many Ibadan indigenes. There have been rumours of a rift with Governor Seyi Makinde, including whispers of impeachment. There is also the widely circulated letter from one Honourable Gbenga Oyekola making weighty accusations involving Your Majesty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the former First Lady of Oyo State, Ambassador Florence Ajimobi
Whether these stories are true or false, Kabiyesi, they drag the revered stool of Olubadan into the murky waters of partisan politics. And that, Your Majesty, is where our concern lies.
History is our teacher, and Ibadan has been blessed with monarchs who transitioned from politics to the throne without staining the crown.
Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele,Oba Daniel ‘Tayo Akinbiyi were foremost leader in the Action Group, became Olubadan and stood as father to all.Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I carried his experience with dignity and never allowed the palace to become a political secretariat.Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Adeyemo Operinde I maintained the delicate balance required of a king.Olubadan Lekan Balogun and Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, despite their rich political pasts, understood that the throne demands neutrality.
When they had to engage, they did so with the diplomacy of a father settling his children, not as a gladiator in the arena.
The Olubadan stool is the single umbrella under which all Ibadan political actors take shelter. If the umbrella leans to one side, some of your children are left in the rain.
The moment a king is seen as partisan, his moral authority to call all parties to order is diminished. Disputes that should end in the palace then move to the streets, and the peace of Ibadanland is threatened.
My humble plea, Kabiyesi
I urge you, Your Imperial Majesty, to rise above the fray and reaffirm the time-tested tradition of royal neutrality. Let the palace be open to Governor Makinde, to opposition leaders, to market women, and to students alike, without fear or favour.Let disagreements with political actors be handled with the quiet wisdom of the inner chamber, not through public letters and counter-claims. Let your enormous political experience serve Ibadan as counsel, not as combat.
You have spent decades building a name that commands respect across Nigeria.
Now history has given you a higher duty: to protect the Olubadan stool for the next generation. As you once fought for democracy, we ask you to now fight for the dignity of the throne by staying above partisan lines.
We can not watch it dragged into battles that will outlive us all.
May your reign be long, peaceful, and unifying. May Ibadan continue to prosper under your fatherly watch.Amin .
Kí ade pẹ́ lórí, kí bàtà pẹ́ lẹ́sẹ̀.
Lanre Gbadamosi,
A Concerned Son of Ibadanland writes from Ogbomoso.
14th April, 2026
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