Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has doubled down on his claim that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting to remove Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadan.

Fayose had alleged that the move to dethrone Oba Ladoja by the Makinde administration would commence this week.

According to him, the government will cite Oba Ladoja’s absence from the coronation of High Chiefs in Ibadanland as a reason for the dethronement action.

The former governor wrote, “I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja.

“The plot is to commence this week, with Government Query to be issued against the Olubadan, citing his absence at the failed coronation of High Chiefs in Ibadanland two weeks ago, and other allegations.

“As for us, we will be watching the Sìgìdì of Seyi Makinde tó fẹ́ se eré ẹ̀tẹ́… ”

Buttressing his claim, Fayose issued a new reason why the Makinde administration is plotting to dethrone Oba Ladoja. According to him, the monarch is being accused of plotting to impeach Makinde as Governor of Oyo State.

He said, “Those who are still in doubt Governor Seyi Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events.

“Recall that they denied any rift between Olubadan and Makinde after my making same public.

“But now, they are accusing the Olubadan of plotting to impeach Governor Makinde. They are also releasing statements accusing the Olubadan of being partisan.

“These are parts of the orchestration by Makinde to prepare grounds for the Olubadan to be queried for being partisan.”

Meeting between Oba Ladoja and Oyo Speaker

Fayose’s post followed a statement by the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Member Representing Atiba State Constituency, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, which pledged loyalty to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, amid rumours of impeachment moves.

In the statement, Oyekola spoke of a meeting between the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

He stated that when Speaker Ogundoyin paid a visit to the Olubadan to seek his support for his governorship ambition, the monarch advised him and offered to secure the House of Representatives ticket for him under the APC, along with the necessary funds to prosecute the election. According to Oyekola, Ogundoyin stated that he declined the offer.

“The Speaker further disclosed that he was again invited by the former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, on the same subject matter. He said he was offered money but declined and did not collect anything from them,” Oyekola said.

The Chief Whip then dissociated himself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. He said he was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements.

“I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde,” he said.

“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State. I vote for peace in Oyo State at all times.”

Oyekola stated that his statement following the meeting held today by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly at the Governor’s House, after it was discovered that some agents of disunity are working to set the Oyo State House of Assembly against the governor and the Government of Oyo State.