Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road: Mogaji Alawode Defends Olubadan Institution, Warns Dare Adeleke Against Unverified Claims
The Mogaji of Ifatayo-Alawode Compound, Oloye Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, has called on political commentators and stakeholders to exercise restraint in their public statements concerning the revered Olubadan institution, warning against dragging the name of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, into unverified political claims.
Alawode made the position known while reacting to recent comments credited to Mr. Dare Adeleke concerning the flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project and the political discussions surrounding the development.
According to him, while every citizen has the constitutional right to express political opinions and hold divergent views on government policies and programmes, such freedom must be exercised with responsibility, particularly when statements concern traditional institutions with deep historical and cultural significance.
He stressed that the Olubadan institution is much older and greater than contemporary political parties, administrations and individual political interests.
“Mr. Dare Adeleke is entitled to his political convictions and opinions, but history must not be rewritten to serve today’s political arguments.
“The history of Ibadanland predates the present political parties. The Olubadan institution predates the present governor, today’s political calculations and the political interests of any individual.
“The Olubadan throne is bigger than any political system, bigger than any political party and will outlive every contemporary political arrangement.”
Alawode maintained that the traditional institution should not be turned into an extension of partisan political contest, stressing that the Olubadan Palace belongs to all sons and daughters of Ibadanland regardless of political affiliation.
He noted that traditional institutions, like other institutions in society, can be subjected to legitimate and constructive criticism.
However, he drew a clear distinction between responsible criticism supported by facts and allegations presented without verifiable evidence.
According to him, anyone making serious allegations against the Olubadan should be prepared to provide evidence that can be independently examined by the public.
“Our position is not that the Olubadan should be above criticism. Traditional institutions must be open to constructive and responsible criticism. However, constructive criticism is entirely different from unverified allegations presented as established facts.
“If Mr. Dare Adeleke possesses evidence to support any allegation against Kabiyesi, we invite him to make such evidence public. Let the people examine it. Let the facts speak and let history judge.”
The Mogaji further urged commentators to exercise caution in the manner in which they frame political arguments involving traditional rulers, noting that unsubstantiated claims have the potential to create unnecessary tension and division.
He argued that political disagreements should remain within the political arena and should not be allowed to undermine the dignity and unity of Ibadanland.
Ibadanland Above Partisan Politics
Alawode reiterated that no political party, elected office holder or individual should be regarded as greater than Ibadanland.
He said the people of Ibadan deserve a traditional institution that remains a source of unity, wisdom, continuity and stability, irrespective of the political party controlling government at any given time.
“No political party is bigger than Ibadanland. No governor is bigger than Ibadanland. No senator is bigger than Ibadanland. No traditional title holder is bigger than Ibadanland. And no newspaper article, however strongly worded, is bigger than the truth.”
He therefore appealed to political actors and commentators to avoid statements capable of unnecessarily widening political divisions within the state.
According to him, those privileged to serve within the traditional structure have a responsibility to protect the dignity of the institution and prevent the palace from becoming a battlefield for partisan political disagreements.
Alawode Commends President Tinubu Over Road Project
Meanwhile, Alawode expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project, describing the project as a significant infrastructure intervention with the potential to improve transportation, strengthen economic activities and enhance connectivity between communities across the South-West.
He said the importance of the project should be viewed from its potential impact on ordinary residents, businesses, commuters and communities that depend on the route for movement and commercial activities.
Alawode said the people of Oyo State should acknowledge infrastructure development whenever and wherever it comes, irrespective of political affiliation.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project. This is a major infrastructural development that will positively impact the lives of our people, improve connectivity and contribute to economic growth.
“We are with President Tinubu, and we will continue to honour and appreciate him for the infrastructural development his administration is bringing to us throughout Oyo State. Development should be acknowledged wherever it comes from, irrespective of political differences.”
He, however, clarified that appreciating government projects should not be interpreted as an attempt to associate the Olubadan institution with a particular political party.
“The Palace Belongs to All Ibadan People”
Alawode rejected what he described as attempts to portray the Olubadan institution as belonging to either the APC, PDP or any other political platform.
He emphasised that the palace represents the collective heritage of Ibadanland and should remain accessible, respected and acceptable to people across political divides.
“We reject every attempt to portray the Olubadan institution as the property of APC, PDP or any other political camp. The palace belongs to all Ibadan sons and daughters.
“We reject unsubstantiated allegations presented as facts. We reject the politicisation of the sacred traditional institution of Ibadanland. And we reject any attempt to create unnecessary hostility between the Olubadan and the government of the day.”
The Mogaji also stressed that freedom of expression must be accompanied by responsibility, particularly in an era where political statements can quickly spread across traditional and social media platforms.
He called for a clear distinction between established facts, allegations, assumptions and political opinions, arguing that the public deserves accurate information rather than narratives driven by political interests.
“Our Prayer Is for Ibadanland”
Alawode said the ultimate interest of traditional stakeholders should be the peace, unity, development and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State rather than the victory of one political party over another.
“As traditional title holders and stakeholders in Ibadanland, our prayer is not for the defeat of APC. It is not for the defeat of PDP. It is not for the victory of one politician over another.
“Our prayer is for the peace, unity, dignity, development and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.”
He consequently appealed to politicians to conduct their political battles within the appropriate political arena, allowing elections, democratic institutions and the courts to determine political and constitutional disputes.
He urged all stakeholders to preserve the sanctity of the Olubadan Palace as a fatherly institution that accommodates Ibadan sons and daughters irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Let politicians fight their political battles in the political arena. Let elections be decided by the people. Let the courts determine constitutional disputes.
“But let the Olubadan Palace remain the fatherly home of all Ibadan sons and daughters, irrespective of political affiliation.”
Alawode concluded by stressing that the dignity and unity of Ibadanland must remain above temporary political interests.
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