Oyo State Government has dismissed reports alleging a planned move to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, describing the claim as “a blatant lie” and “political falsehood.”

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, who denied the claim, said there was no discussion, intention, or consideration within government circles to issue any query or memo against the revered monarch.

He, however, faulted the source of the allegation, warning journalists to adhere strictly to professional ethics by verifying information before publication.

According to him, writing a query or memo to a revered monarch of Ibadanland has never been discussed or contemplated, and it is not on the cards. So, it is a lie.”

He further described the report as malicious and unfounded, insisting that it was designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension.

“The source of the information is a machine of serious falsehood, and it has been displayed once again. It is a lie. It is not true. It is a falsehood meant to achieve a warped end,” he added.

The clarification comes amid claims by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was plotting to remove Oba Ladoja.

In a post on X, Fayose had said that the alleged move would begin this week with the issuance of a government query to the monarch, reportedly linked to his absence at a recent coronation of high chiefs in Ibadanland.

He further claimed that the purported plan was politically motivated.

Meanwhile, a stakeholder in Ibadan, Bisi Olopoeyan, yesterday urged leaders and elders of the South-West to call Fayose to order, warning that his recent utterances are capable of causing chaos in the zone if unchecked.

He also advised Fayose to emulate the conduct of other former governors in the South-West and Nigeria, questioning why he continues to make what he described as frivolous statements.

Olopoeyan, while dismissing Fayose’s claim, said nothing could be further from the truth.

“I urge all Yoruba people and the indigenes of Ibadan to dismiss Fayose’s claim,” he said.

Also, the media aide to Olubadan, Adeola Oloko, described the statement credited to Fayose as an unfounded and baseless rumour.

He said there was no rift between Makinde and the monarch to warrant such a claim.

According to him, it would be most unfortunate if it is anything more than a rumour. I do not see any cause for friction between Governor Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.