The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that politicians seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State are free to associate with his name in promoting their ambitions.
He stressed, however, that only their popularity, track records, and antecedents would determine their electoral success.
The monarch, who is also a former governor of Oyo State, stated this on Wednesday while addressing journalists at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
Ladoja noted that many governorship aspirants and political actors in the state have continued to identify with him and invoke his name in their political campaigns, describing all politicians in the state as his children.
According to him, there is nothing wrong with aspirants leveraging his personality and influence to market their aspirations, provided such associations are meaningful to them.
The traditional ruler, however, maintained that the electorate would ultimately decide who governs them, insisting that his name alone cannot guarantee victory for any aspirant.
“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them.
“But the populace will decide who rules them at the end of the day, not my name,” he said.
Speaking on the recent abduction of 39 pupils, students and teachers in communities within Oriire Local Government Area of the state, the monarch described the incident as unfortunate and expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by government and security agencies would secure the victims’ release.
He said the state government and security operatives are working behind the scenes and could not disclose operational details for security reasons.
“Government and security agencies are trying their best. It’s just that they won’t tell you what they’re doing to secure the release of those abducted for security purposes,” he added.
Ladoja also reiterated his opposition to land grabbing and related activities in Ibadanland, warning against acts capable of disrupting peace and order in the ancient city.