Olubadan Palace Denies Rift With Oyo Governor Makinde, Clarifies High Chiefs’ Coronation Delay

The palace also refuted claims that the Olubadan travelled out of Ibadan to avoid a planned coronation ceremony scheduled for April 3.

Astatement from the Olubadan Palace has dismissed reports of a rift between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

In a press statement signed by the Olubadan’s Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, and issued on Thursday, the palace described the reports as misleading, insisting that there is no disagreement between the monarch and the governor.

The palace also refuted claims that the Olubadan travelled out of Ibadan to avoid a planned coronation ceremony scheduled for April 3. It clarified that the monarch remains in Ibadan and is in good health, continuing to carry out his official duties.

“The attention of His Imperial Majesty,the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has been drawn to trending news that there is a rift between His Excellency, the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Kabiyesi Olubadan,” the statement said.

“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.”

“We wish to make it abundantly clear that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan, and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan,” Oloko added.

According to the statement, the coronation did not proceed as scheduled because the three High Chiefs involved had formally notified the Olubadan of their unavailability and requested a postponement.

The palace added that this development had been duly communicated to the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The Oyo State Government had scheduled the ceremony for Friday at Mapo Hall, where three prominent High Chiefs, Sharafadeen Ali, High Chief Kol Babalola, and High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, were to be elevated to the status of Obas.

However, concerns later arose amid reports alleging the monarch’s absence from Ibadan.