A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has alleged a plot by the Oyo State Government to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Fayose, in a statement, claimed he had received reliable information that Governor Seyi Makinde was planning to initiate processes that could lead to the monarch’s removal.
According to him, the alleged move would begin with the issuance of a government query against the Olubadan, citing his absence at the recent coronation of some High Chiefs in Ibadanland, alongside other unspecified allegations.
The former governor, however, described the alleged development as “Sìgìdì politics,” a Yoruba expression implying a dangerous path, warning against actions that could destabilise the traditional institution in the state.
“As for us, we will be watching the Sìgìdì of Governor Seyi Makinde tó fẹ́ se eré ẹ̀tẹ́,” former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, said, in what has been interpreted as a veiled criticism of the Oyo State governor’s alleged political manoeuvres, suggesting that Makinde is engaging in deceptive tactics likened to a Sigidi, a short spirit in Yoruba belief- which could ultimately backfire and result in public embarrassment or political humiliation.
Fayose stated that he and other concerned stakeholders would closely monitor the situation, expressing concern over what he described as a potential attempt to undermine the revered stool of the Olubadan.
The reported fallout between Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is being linked by observers to underlying issues of loyalty and political control within Oyo State, particularly in Ibadan, where the traditional institution holds significant influence and remains a key factor in shaping grassroots political dynamics.
