The immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed allegations that he disrespected the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, during a recent political engagement in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area.

Adelabu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governorship aspirant in Oyo State, described the claims as false and a deliberate attempt by political opponents to misrepresent his remarks and strain his relationship with the monarch.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Femi Awogboro, the former minister said his comments at the event were purely historical and political, noting that he neither insulted nor showed disrespect to the Olubadan stool.

He explained that his remarks focused on past political developments in the state, adding that reactions from sections of the audience were spontaneous and not instigated by him.

“I can never disrespect the Olubadan stool because of politics. Politics is transient, but the institution of the Olubadan is sacred and deeply rooted in our heritage,” he said.

Adelabu maintained that his relationship with the monarch goes beyond politics, describing Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as a father figure whose bond with him remains intact despite political differences.
According to him, he visited the palace recently, where both men held cordial discussions, underscoring the continued mutual respect between them.

He urged the public to disregard what he termed “malicious rumours” aimed at creating discord between him and the traditional institution.

The APC stalwart also traced the longstanding relationship between his family and that of the Olubadan, recalling ties dating back to the pre-independence era involving his grandfather, Adegoke Adelabu, and the monarch’s lineage.
Describing the relationship as historic and familial, Adelabu said it would be inconceivable for him to disrespect the throne or the Ladoja family.

He reiterated his loyalty to Ibadanland and its traditional institutions, calling on political actors to refrain from dragging revered monarchs into partisan disputes.

“Political ambitions should not be pursued at the expense of our traditional institutions. I remain committed to preserving the dignity of the Olubadan stool,” he added.