The Mogaji of Ifatayo-Alawode Compound, Oloye Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, has described the Olubadan stool as an institution far greater than any political party, political system or temporary political calculation, warning political commentators against dragging the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, into unverified political allegations.
Alawode stated this while responding to comments credited to Mr. Dare Adeleke over the recent flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project.
He said while every Nigerian, including political commentators, has the constitutional right to hold and express political opinions, such freedom must be exercised responsibly and should not be used to rewrite history, distort facts or politicise the sacred traditional institution of Ibadanland.
“Mr. Dare Adeleke is entitled to his political convictions and opinions, but history must not be rewritten to serve today’s political arguments,” Alawode said.
“The history of Ibadanland predates the present political parties. The Olubadan institution predates the present governor, today’s political calculations and the political interests of any individual.
“The Olubadan throne is bigger than any political system, bigger than any political party and will outlive every contemporary political arrangement. Therefore, no politician or political commentator should attempt to use the institution as an instrument for settling political scores.”
The Mogaji stressed that the Olubadan, like every public institution, is not immune from constructive criticism, but maintained that criticism must be distinguished from unsubstantiated accusations.
“Our position is not that the Olubadan should be above criticism. Traditional institutions must be open to constructive and responsible criticism. However, constructive criticism is entirely different from unverified allegations presented as established facts.
“If Mr. Dare Adeleke possesses evidence to support any allegation against Kabiyesi, we invite him to make such evidence public. Let the people examine it. Let the facts speak and let history judge.
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“But where evidence does not exist, responsible journalism and political commentary demand that allegations should be clearly identified as allegations, rather than being presented as established truth.
“Mr. Adeleke should therefore stop dragging the name of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, into unverified claims and political narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension between the revered Olubadan institution and the government of the day.”
Alawode further stated that no political party or political office holder is greater than Ibadanland.
“No political party is bigger than Ibadanland. No governor is bigger than Ibadanland. No senator is bigger than Ibadanland. No traditional title holder is bigger than Ibadanland. And no newspaper article, however strongly worded, is bigger than the truth.
“The Olubadan stool must remain a symbol of unity, continuity, wisdom, dignity and peace. Those of us privileged to serve within the traditional structure must resist every attempt, whether deliberate or unintended, to turn the palace into an arena for partisan political combat.”
Meanwhile, the Mogaji of Ifatayo-Alawode Compound expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project, describing the project as a significant intervention that would bring economic and infrastructural benefits to the people of Oyo State and beyond.
Alawode said the people would continue to appreciate and honour President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development across Oyo State.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project. This is a major infrastructural development that will positively impact the lives of our people, improve connectivity and contribute to economic growth.
“We are with President Tinubu, and we will continue to honour and appreciate him for the infrastructural development his administration is bringing to us throughout Oyo State. Development should be acknowledged wherever it comes from, irrespective of political differences.”
Alawode, however, maintained that appreciation for government projects should not be misinterpreted as an attempt to convert the Olubadan institution into the property of any political camp.
“We reject every attempt to portray the Olubadan institution as the property of APC, PDP or any other political camp. The palace belongs to all Ibadan sons and daughters.
“We reject unsubstantiated allegations presented as facts. We reject the politicisation of the sacred traditional institution of Ibadanland. And we reject any attempt to create unnecessary hostility between the Olubadan and the government of the day.”
According to him, freedom of expression comes with the responsibility to distinguish facts from allegations, evidence from speculation and political opinions from historical truth.
“As traditional title holders and stakeholders in Ibadanland, our prayer is not for the defeat of APC. It is not for the defeat of PDP. It is not for the victory of one politician over another.
“Our prayer is for the peace, unity, dignity, development and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.”
He urged politicians to conduct their political battles within the political arena and allow the Olubadan Palace to remain a fatherly home for all.
“Let politicians fight their political battles in the political arena. Let elections be decided by the people. Let the courts determine constitutional disputes.
“But let the Olubadan Palace remain the fatherly home of all Ibadan sons and daughters, irrespective of political affiliation.
“Ibadanland is greater than politics. The Olubadan throne is greater than any political party, political system or individual. The dignity of Ibadanland must never be sacrificed on the altar of temporary political advantage.”
