Makinde, Ladoja Fault Fayose Over Alleged Dethronement Plot

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, have jointly pushed back against allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, concerning a supposed plot to dethrone a prominent monarch. The reaction follows a series of public comments by Fayose that suggested high-level political maneuvering aimed at interfering with traditional stools in the region.

In a sharp rebuttal, Governor Makinde clarified that his administration remains committed to the sanctity of traditional institutions and has no interest in orchestrated dethronements. He urged political actors to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could stir unnecessary tension within the traditional council and among the people of Oyo State.

"The claims of a dethronement plot exist only in the imagination of those spreading them," a statement from the Governor’s office noted. "We have worked tirelessly to modernize the traditional system while maintaining absolute respect for the customs of our fathers. To suggest otherwise is a disservice to the peace we have built."

High Chief Ladoja also weighed in, stating that the Olubadan-in-Council remains united and focused on the progress of Ibadanland. He dismissed Fayose’s claims as "baseless rumors" that do not reflect the reality of the current relationship between the state government and the traditional leadership. This development comes at a time when Oyo State is finalizing reforms to the traditional rulers' laws, a move the government insists is purely administrative and not punitive. As the political climate in the South-West heats up, stakeholders are calling for a focus on governance rather than speculative controversies.