The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has again warned former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State to stop dragging the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), into his political battles, describing his recent comments about the revered monarch as “highly provocative and unreasonable.”
In a statement issued by the CCII Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Olomide, the council urged Fayose to fight his political battles without involving the Olubadan in partisan disputes.
CCII recalled that it had earlier cautioned Fayose against dragging the Olubadan into his political fights, warning that repeated attempts to associate the monarch with partisan politics were unnecessary, disrespectful and capable of creating avoidable tension.
According to the statement, the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, expressed disappointment over Fayose’s remarks during a recent appearance on ‘Politics Today’ on Channels Television.
During the interview with Seun Okinbaloye, Fayose accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of dismantling his political structure in the South West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“He took all my structures and did a lot that is not fair in party politics,” the former governor said.
Fayose also claimed to enjoy the support of influential figures in Ibadan in his political battle with Makinde, saying: “The current Olubadan was a colleague. We are all working together, including the Olubadan, including all Makinde’s enemies.”
Reacting, Ajewole said Fayose had once again ignored the council’s earlier warning by attempting to drag the revered monarch into partisan politics.
“The comments credited to former Governor Ayodele Fayose are highly provocative and unreasonable. They are capable of creating a wrong impression about the revered Olubadan institution and unnecessarily heating up the political atmosphere.
