The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Wednesday said politicians were free to associate with his name in pursuit of elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, but warned that such endorsements would not automatically guarantee victory at the polls.

The monarch stated that while there was nothing wrong with aspirants leveraging his name for political visibility, the electorate would ultimately decide based on performance, credibility, and people-oriented programmes.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and ex-senator, spoke with journalists at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.

He described politicians and residents of the state as his children, stressing that he would not discriminate against anyone seeking political support or recognition.
“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them, but the people will decide who governs them at the end of the day, not my name,” he said.

The monarch maintained that voters in Oyo State would place greater priority on competence, character, and the delivery of democratic dividends rather than political sentiments or associations with influential figures.
He advised political aspirants to focus more on impactful programmes and genuine service to the people instead of relying heavily on endorsements and political affiliations.

Commenting on the recent abduction of pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, Oba Ladoja said the government and security agencies were making efforts to secure the release of the victims.
He, however, noted that security operations surrounding such incidents are often handled discreetly to avoid jeopardising rescue efforts.

“Government and security agencies are trying their best. It’s just that they won’t disclose everything they are doing for security reasons,” he added.