Fayose insists Makinde plotting Olubadan removal

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has renewed his claim that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja – despite categorical denials from both the state government and the palace.

In a post on his X account on Tuesday, Fayose insisted: “Those who are still in doubt about Governor Seyi Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events.” He alleged that recent accusations against the monarch were part of a broader strategy to justify action against him.

“They denied any rift between Olubadan and Makinde after my making the same public. But now, they are accusing the Olubadan of plotting to impeach Governor Makinde,” Fayose added, describing the claims of partisanship against the monarch as “parts of the orchestration… to prepare grounds for the Olubadan to be queried”.

His latest comments come amid fresh political tension in Oyo State. Meanwhile, the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, has distanced himself from alleged moves by some lawmakers to impeach the governor.

Oyekola, who represents Atiba State Constituency, said in a Facebook statement: “I hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements.” He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde, adding: “I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss… I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State.”

Fayose had earlier alleged a plot to depose the Olubadan – a claim dismissed by both the Oyo State Government and the monarch’s palace. The Olubadan’s media aide said there was no rift between the palace and the government, stating: “It will be most unfortunate if it is not a rumour. I don’t see the cause of friction.”

Similarly, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, maintained that the government had “never contemplated, discussed, or planned such an action”, describing the allegation as baseless. “By now, Nigerians know who and what to believe, especially when the information comes from a particular quarter,” Oyelade said. “There has to be a credible motive for every government action, and this, coming from the unofficial spokesman of our opponents, is better put in the refuse dump where it belongs. Desperate politics foists thoughtless propaganda and reduces democracy into a joke.”