The immediate past Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed claims that he disrespected the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, during a recent political engagement in Ibadan South East Local Government Area.
Adelabu described the allegation as false and a deliberate attempt by political opponents to distort facts, incite tension, and undermine his longstanding relationship with the revered monarch.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu maintained that he neither insulted nor showed any form of disrespect to the Olubadan or the traditional institution during his address.
He clarified that his remarks at the event were strictly historical and political, focusing on past instances when progressive forces lost political control in Oyo State. He added that reactions from sections of the crowd were spontaneous and not influenced or endorsed by him.
“I can never disrespect the Olubadan stool because of politics. Politics is transient, but the institution of the Olubadan is sacred, highly revered, and deeply rooted in our heritage as Ibadan people,” he said.
Adelabu further stressed that his relationship with Oba Ladoja goes beyond politics, describing the monarch as a father figure, mentor, and respected elder whose place in his life remains significant.
Oba Ladoja is like a father to me, and no political difference, no matter how intense, can destroy that bond. We may have belonged to different political tendencies in the past, but that has never affected the mutual respect and personal relationship we share,” he affirmed.
To further debunk the false narrative, Adelabu disclosed that he was with the Olubadan at his palace less than two weeks ago, where the two men shared warm, sincere father-to-son conversations, underscoring the cordial and respectful relationship that continues to exist between them.
He therefore urgedurged the public to disregard what he described as “evil rumours” being spread by individuals bent on sowing discord between him and the revered traditional institution.
Chief Adelabu also highlighted the deep historical ties between the Adelabu and Ladoja families, stressing that their relationship predates contemporary politics.
He recalled that his late grandfather, the legendary nationalist and statesman, Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi, shared a close personal friendship and political alliance with the late father of Oba Ladoja during Nigeria’s pre-independence political era.
“This relationship is historical, familial, and deeply rooted. Our families have shared bonds of friendship, respect, and political collaboration for generations. It is therefore inconceivable for me, as Adegoke Adelabu’s grandson, to disrespect the Olubadan stool or the Ladoja family,” he said.
As a titled chief of Ibadan land, the Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Adelabu, reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Ibadanland, its traditions, and its revered institutions, describing himself as a proud son of the soil who remains committed to protecting the honour, dignity, and sanctity of the Olubadan throne.
He called on political actors and members of the public to refrain from dragging revered traditional institutions into partisan propaganda, warning that such actions could undermine the unity and cultural values of Ibadanland.
“Political ambitions should never be pursued at the expense of our traditional institutions. I remain a loyal son of Ibadanland, a respectful son to the Olubadan, and a firm believer in preserving the dignity of our royal heritage,” Adelabu concluded.
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