A top member of the Olubadan-in-Council and Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has declared that the traditional institution is bound to be undermined once Obas, who are supposed to be fathers of all, get involved in partisan politics.
The Balogun stated this on Friday, warning that the ongoing discourse on the intersection between the traditional authority and partisan politics in Oyo State demands that men of reason weigh in such that a clear line is drawn between the political and royal leadership.
Ajibola, who spoke at a press conference held at his Sanyo palace in Ibadan, on Friday, declared that an Oba or member of the Olubadan-in-council has to make a clear choice between the throne and their political involvement, regardless of what the gazette on Ibadan traditional system says.
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 added.
This was just as he dismissed the claims that a crisis is brewing between Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Oba Balogun’s press position is coming amid claims over plots to remove the Olubadan and impeach Governor Makinde, with the monarch dismissing the alleged plot against Makinde by the Olubadan as a ruse.
He stated that there is no plan by any group within the traditional council to undermine the governor or government, saying: “There is really no crisis in Ibadan. Our elders are on top of the situation, and we know how to resolve our issues internally.”
He cautioned against the spread of misinformation, noting that misinformation is capable of disturbing the balance of peace in the state.
Reassuring residents, he called for calm and urged the public to disregard alarmist narratives, insisting that Ibadan remains peaceful and stable.
He, however, warned that though 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, it affects security, and it affects 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.
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 the 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 Alli if he is found getting involved in partisan bias, explaining that a clear line would be drawn to protect the sanctity of the exalted throne.
Traditional rulers in Balogun’s domain were presented at the palace.
