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Former two- term Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, on Tuesday insisted that he stands by his earlier claims alleging that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is plotting to dethrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Fayose made the remarks during a visit to the Olubadan at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, where he said his comments were based on what he described as privileged and reliable information.
He maintained that his earlier revelations about political developments in Oyo State had, in his view, repeatedly been confirmed by subsequent events, insisting that he had no reason to withdraw his position.
According to him, the latest controversy around Ibadanland followed his disclosure that the governor was allegedly planning to issue a query to the monarch over his absence at a recent coronation-related event, a move he said he had earlier warned about.
Fayose also claimed that developments in the last 48 hours had further reinforced his belief that there were ongoing efforts targeted at the traditional institution, insisting that more actions could still follow.
He further alleged that the governor had continued to act in ways that suggested what he described as desperation, warning that such actions could have political consequences.
Speaking in more figurative terms, the former governor compared political power to tenancy, cautioning that officeholders must be mindful of their conduct, adding that leaders must avoid actions that could damage their legacy.
Fayose, however, urged Makinde to exercise restraint and focus on completing his tenure without controversy, warning that patterns of end-of-tenure political tension were not new in Oyo State’s political history.
He also appealed for caution in dealings around the traditional institution, alleging that misinformation could be used to influence decisions against the Olubadan stool.
Despite his strong claims, Fayose stressed that he was not opposed to the completion of Makinde’s tenure, but insisted that the governor should tread carefully in order not to undermine his record in office.
He said: “I came to identify with Kabiyesi, Olubadan because the latest issues came when I made a revelation on what is ahead in Ibadan and in the United States, and I stand by what I have said.“
“Nobody in this country, I stand to be corrected, has ever said that what I said has been contradicted by subsequent actions over time.“
“So whatever I say is either because I have the right information from the source or I am privy, one way or another, to certain activities. Let me say it again: the current Governor of Oyo State has an agenda to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Whether it will succeed or happen is another matter.“
“During the week, I told someone I do not want to mention here, about the incident of crowning people in their absence. I said this before those actions took place, and I was told it was not going to be possible, yet it actually happened.“
“Again, I said over time that the Governor got 15 billion naira. He was firmly denied by his commissioner at the time, but eventually when I provided the evidence, they accepted it was 30 billion.“
“Also, after my revelation that the Olubadan would be queried this week to explain his role in the aborted coronation, what has happened in the last 48 hours has confirmed there is a lot to it.“
“I am telling you, the Governor has not stopped; he will still take steps in his desperation to ensure the Olubadan is removed.“
“If you look closely, he has installed a number of traditional rulers, the Soun is there, the Alaafin is there, the Olubadan is there.“
“Tell me which of them is his friend. At this stage of my life, I have nothing against anybody, but when we need to speak about the future of a place, a country, or a society, we must speak out strongly.“
“These are boomerangs for him, and I am telling you he has not given up. However, I have a word for him: if your landlord has anything to do with your wife, as a tenant you go.“
“Let him know he is a tenant. I was a tenant in the Government House at some point. The Governor’s tenancy is about to expire.“
“This Olubadan only has a date with destiny and with God, but the Governor has a date with the Constitution of Nigeria, and his tenancy has no renewal in the next ten or eleven months.“
“I appeal to him: I am not saying he should not complete his tenure, I was governor at 42, but he should not allow his legacy to be damaged.“
“When you say I am with the Governor, he should also be with us. We are leaders. So I am not backing down; I am still in the game. So I am telling you there are issues,” Fayose said.
Meanwhile, Ladoja, who described Fayose as a “son,” expressed appreciation for his visit and comments, while also addressing recent speculation surrounding alleged tensions within Ibadan’s traditional and political space.
He dismissed suggestions of crisis, saying reports of a rift between the Olubadan and the state government were largely based on hearsay and misinterpretation of events.
He noted that while rumours had circulated about alleged moves against the Olubadan, there had been no confirmed action, urging caution in drawing conclusions.
Ladoja said confusion around the issue had persisted in recent days, including claims that the Olubadan intended to impeach the governor, describing much of the speculation as unverified.
He said: “You’ll wonder when we saw the person a few days ago, advising the world that the government was planning to discipline the Olubadan.“
“When Ayo fights, he fights with all his might. He and Seyi are close friends. Oloko said there is nothing of such, and truly, we saw nothing of such, but we were still on the issue till yesterday when something else came up.“
“They said the Olubadan wants to impeach the Governor. How do we go about this? Most of what we hear is hearsay until we hear from him again saying, ‘didn’t I tell you’?“
“A witch cried yesterday, a child dies today, who does not know it is the witch that killed the child?“
“He said I told you that they want to fight the Olubadan, you said it is not so, and now they say it is the Olubadan that is fighting them.“
“That is why we are appreciating our ‘Ibadan boy’ who went to Ekiti to reside and has now returned. Thank you very much, oshokomole, for alerting us and for coming to solidarise with us.“
“Let me tell you that in Ibadan, we have only one room; once we all come into the room, close the windows and come out, we will resolve our issues.“
“I know that the governor is not in the state right now, but I am sure when he arrives, he will intervene in the matter. Ibadan has elders that will always ensure reconciliation. I am very optimistic that the matter will be resolved amicably,” Ladoja said.
