The Okanlomo Oodua, Chief Dotun Sanusi, has cautioned politicians against making statements capable of undermining the revered Olubadan Stool in Ibadanland.
The Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland further warned that any form of disrespect toward the Ibadan traditional institution could attract serious political and cultural consequences.
Sanusi made this known in reaction to recent comments credited to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bayo Adelabu, during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday.
Adelabu, the immediate past Minister of Power, had reportedly stated that former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was responsible for the failure of the APC to win the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections in the state.
He was also quoted to have said that party members would resist any attempt to impose a candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The comments have since generated reactions within political and traditional circles in Ibadan, given the interpretation that the comments indirectly touched sensitive issues surrounding the Olubadan Stool and the Ibadan traditional leadership structure.
Sanusi stressed in a release that the Olubadan Stool remained a sacred symbol of Ibadan identity, unity, and heritage, insisting that public office holders and political actors must exercise restraint and wisdom in their utterances.
“Any spoken word directed against the sacred institution of the Olubadan of Ibadanland is not merely a statement, it carries deep political and cultural consequences,” he stated.
According to him, Ibadanland was built on a long-standing tradition where respect for the Olubadan Stool and the traditional hierarchy was central to the collective identity of the people.
Sanusi therefore warned that careless rhetoric against the institution could alienate political actors from the grassroots support they seek.
“Ibadanland stands on a proud heritage where tradition, leadership, and respect for the Olubadan Stool are inseparable from the identity of its people.
“To speak carelessly or disrespectfully about this institution is to challenge the very foundation upon which Ibadan unity is built,” Sanusi added.
The businessman and influential Ibadan title holder further warned politicians against actions or comments capable of diminishing the revered status of the traditional institution, noting that the people of Ibadan remain deeply loyal to their traditional institution.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to all politicians: the loyalty of Ibadan people is firmly rooted in their reverence for their traditional authority.
“Any act, statement, or rhetoric that undermines this institution will not be taken lightly and may result in the loss of political goodwill and support,” he said.
Sanusi called for caution, respect, and maturity in political engagements and public discussions, particularly as permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State continue to gather momentum.
“This is a call for caution, respect, and wisdom in public discourse. The voice of Ibadanland is united, and its heritage must be honoured at all times,” he stated in the statement.
