A group, Ibadan Support Group (ISG), has warned the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Senator Lekan Balogun CFR, Ali Okunmade II, to be wary of alleged antics of High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
The group, consisting of Ibadan indigenes based in Kano State, gave the warning on the heels of the recent visit of Ladoja to the Oubadan at his Alarere residence.
The group gave the warning in a statement, on Friday, by its chairman and secretary, Prince Muji Armstrong-Bello and Alhaji Abdulwasiu Abdulsalam, respectively.
The former governor of Oyo State had, during the visit, declared that he has no reason whatsoever to fight the Olubadan.
However, Senator Ladoja has a case pending in court, seeking the reversal of the recent elevation of 10 high chiefs to beaded crown-wearing obas by the Olubadan.
The group advised the first class traditional ruler not to be deceived by the courtesy visit.
It stated that the act should be viewed in retrospect, considering the antecedents and recent public utterances of High Chief Ladoja.
The group noted in the statement: “High Chief Ladoja doublespeak portrayed his insincerity and sanctimoniousness.
“In one breath, he said he is not against the Olubadan; that he was in the meeting that started the discussion for the elevation of the high chiefs.
“He said was willing to offer advice to the Olubadan Advisory Council while he is committed to whatever will protect the traditional institution.
“In another breath, he justified his court action.
“From the former governor’s equivocation and body language, one can input that he still stands by his public utterances where he crassly undermined the authority of the traditional ruler and the council members.
“He even went ahead to make assertions that were capable of denigrating the person of the Olubadan.”
The group advised Ladoja not to consider Olubadan’s civility, large heart and urbanness as a sign of weakness.
“The former governor should have known that Olubadan is the prescribed and consenting authority.
“He is the lord of the land whose every word is a proclamation and law that cannot be challenged or overruled by his council members.
“The actions of High Chief Ladoja are clearly antithetical to the traditional council and, by extension, Ibadanland and its people.
“We hereby advise His Imperial Majesty and Ibadan Royal Majesties not to allow the high chief into their fold until he withdraws the court case.
“He should not be allowed until he tenders public apology to Olubadan and the entire people of Ibadanland and accepts to wear his crown,” the group added.
