2027 election: Voters, not me, will decide Oyo leaders — Olubadan

Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and a former governor of Oyo State, has asserted that the outcome of the 2027 elections in the state will rest with the voters, not his personal influence. He made these remarks while addressing journalists at his Bodija residence, noting that many governorship aspirants and candidates are leveraging his name in their campaigns.

"Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But the populace will decide who rules them at the end of the day, not my name," Oba Ladoja stated. He clarified that while all politicians in the state are like his children and associating with him is not inherently wrong, their success will ultimately be judged by their antecedents, popularity, and performance in the eyes of the electorate.

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Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But the populace will decide who rules them at the end of the day, not my name.

In addition to political matters, the traditional ruler addressed the recent abduction of 39 students and teachers in communities within the Oriire Local Government Area. He described the incident as unfortunate but expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies to secure the victims' release. "Government and security agencies are trying their best. It’s just that they won’t tell you what they’re doing to secure the release of those abducted for security purposes," he commented.

Furthermore, Oba Ladoja condemned the persistent issue of land grabbing in Ibadanland, deeming such activities unacceptable in the historic city. His statements underscore a commitment to fair electoral processes and the preservation of order within his domain.

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Government and security agencies are trying their best. It’s just that they won’t tell you what they’re doing to secure the release of those abducted for security purposes.