Olubadan denies rift with Makinde and says he will not boycott chiefs’ coronation

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Thursday dismissed reports of a rift between him and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing the claims as false and misleading.

This came in the context of earlier reports that the monarch had led a boycott of the coronation of three senior chiefs in Ibadan and moved to Lagos to protest against the state government.

However, in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said he had neither left Ibadan nor opposed the planned coronation, insisting that he will remain in the ancient city and carry out his traditional duties.

“His Imperial Majesty’s attention has been drawn to trending reports that there is a rift between Governor Seyi Makinde and Kabiyesi. We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift,” the statement read.

The palace also denied claims that the monarch traveled outside Ibadan to avoid the coronation ceremony scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026.

According to the statement, “Kabiyesi is healthy and friendly in Ibadan and fulfills the role expected of him as an Olubadan.”

The palace further clarified that the three affected High Chiefs – Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan), Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun) and Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Ekaarun Balogun) – had formally notified the Olubadan of their inability to attend the ceremony.

He added that the chiefs had requested a postponement of the coronation and that the development had been duly communicated to the state government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The clarification follows heightened tension in the state after reports suggested an impending confrontation between the traditional institution and the state government over the coronation.

The earlier claims had also raised concerns about a possible strain in relations between Olubadan Palace and the Oyo State government, with observers warning of potential implications for governance and stability.

However, the palace’s latest statement appears to have quelled speculation, reiterating that there is no dispute between the monarch and Governor Makinde, while attributing the delay in the coronation to the unavailability of the leaders concerned.

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