Rashidi Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadanland, has refuted claims that he is plotting to impeach Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo.
In a statement issued by Adeola Oloko, his media aide, the monarch described the social media reports as “false and misleading”.
“To say the least, this is a lie.” Ladoja said, adding that a traditional ruler has no constitutional power to impeach an elected governor.
“You don’t have to be a former governor or a distinguished senator to know that a monarch has no power to impeach a local government chairman, let alone a state governor.”
He expressed concern over the conflicting narratives in the political space, recalling that barely 24 hours earlier, Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti, had alleged a plot by the Oyo state government to remove him as Olubadan.
“Now, it is the Olubadan who is allegedly planning to impeach the governor. So, who is fooling who?” the statement queried.
The Olubadan warned against dragging the revered stool into partisan politics and urged the public to disregard the rumours to avoid unnecessary tension in the state.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the palace said there is no rift between the king and the governor of the state.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift between Kabiyesi and Olori omo oba of Ibadanland. In addition, the Olubadan did not travel out of Ibadan to avoid the coronation ceremony slated for Friday 3rd of April,” the statement reads.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan, and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan.
“For the avoidance of doubt,the three concerned High Chiefs due to be coronated have formally informed the Olubadan that they would be unavailable, and have, therefore, asked for postponement.”
