The Mogaji of Akinsola Family Compound in Ibadan, Mogaji Olusola Ladoja, has cautioned former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, against dragging the revered stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland into political controversies.

Ladoja described Fayose’s recent comments against Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as unnecessary and unwarranted.

His remarks come on the heels of a similar warning issued by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), which urged the former governor to stop involving the Olubadan in political disputes. The council had described Fayose’s comments about the monarch as highly provocative and unreasonable.

Expressing concern over Fayose’s persistent criticism of Governor Makinde, Ladoja noted that the former Ekiti governor had, at various times, benefited from the goodwill and support of the Oyo State governor.

Reacting to statements reportedly made by Fayose during a recent interview, the Ibadan family head said it was disappointing that a politician who frequently identifies himself as an Ibadan indigene and professes affection for the ancient city would choose to attack one of its prominent sons.

According to Ladoja, Governor Makinde has continued to transform Ibadan through strategic infrastructure projects and policies aimed at modernising the city, making the sustained criticisms difficult to justify.

He urged Fayose to focus on issues of public interest and refrain from actions or comments capable of diminishing the respect accorded to traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

“Fayose claims he was born in Ibadan and that he loves Ibadan, but it is sad that he appears to hate his place of birth so much that he is attacking the pride of Ibadan who is transforming the city into a modern metropolis,” Oladoja said.

He further cautioned the former Ekiti governor against involving the Olubadan of Ibadanland in political disputes, stressing that the revered monarch remains a father figure to all irrespective of political affiliations.

“I want to caution Governor Ayo Fayose from dragging our highly revered Olubadan into his dirty politics. Kabiyesi is a father to all, and we will not allow anyone to disparage our royal father for political reasons.

“It is unacceptable for anyone who has shown little regard for traditional institutions in his own state to attempt to bring our respected monarch into needless political controversy,” he added.

Oladoja urged political actors to conduct their engagements with decorum and respect for traditional institutions, emphasizing that Ibadan people would continue to defend the dignity and integrity of the Olubadan stool. (The Nation)