The immediate past Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly refuted rumours and malicious insinuations suggesting that he disrespected or verbally attacked the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, during a recent political engagement in Ibadan South East Local Government.
Chief Adelabu described the allegation as false, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt by political detractors to distort facts, create unnecessary tension, and damage a long-standing father-son relationship that has existed between him and the revered monarch.
According to Adelabu, at no point during his address did he insult, abuse, or show any form of disrespect toward the Olubadan stool or the person of Oba Ladoja. He explained that his remarks were strictly historical and political, centered on recounting the circumstances surrounding the two occasions when progressive forces lost political power in Oyo State. He noted that any chants or reactions from sections of the crowd were entirely spontaneous and were neither prompted nor endorsed by him.
“I can never disrespect the Olubadan stool because of politics. Politics is transient, but the institution of the Olubadan is sacred, highly revered, and deeply rooted in our heritage as Ibadan people,” Adelabu stated.
He further emphasized that beyond politics, Oba Rashidi Ladoja occupies a deeply personal place in his life as a father figure, mentor, and respected elder whose relationship with him transcends partisan considerations.
“Oba Ladoja is like a father to me, and no political difference, no matter how intense, can destroy that bond. We may have belonged to different political tendencies in the past, but that has never affected the mutual respect and personal relationship we share,” he affirmed.
To further debunk the false narrative, Adelabu disclosed that he was with the Olubadan at his palace less than two weeks ago, where both men shared warm and sincere father-to-son conversations, underscoring the cordial and respectful relationship that continues to exist between them.
He therefore urged the public to disregard what he described as “evil rumours” being spread by individuals bent on sowing discord between him and the revered traditional institution.
Chief Adelabu also highlighted the deep historical ties between the Adelabu and Ladoja families, stressing that their relationship predates contemporary politics. He recalled that his late grandfather, the legendary nationalist and statesman, Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi, shared a close personal friendship and political alliance with the late father of Oba Ladoja during Nigeria’s pre-independence political era.
“This relationship is historical, familial, and deeply rooted. Our families have shared bonds of friendship, respect, and political collaboration for generations. It is therefore inconceivable for me, as Adegoke Adelabu’s grandson, to disrespect the Olubadan stool or the Ladoja family,” he said.
As a titled chief of Ibadan land, the Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Adelabu reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Ibadanland, its traditions, and its revered institutions, describing himself as a proud son of the soil who remains committed to protecting the honour, dignity, and sanctity of the Olubadan throne.
He called on political actors and members of the public to refrain from dragging revered traditional institutions into partisan propaganda, warning that such actions are capable of undermining the unity and cultural values of Ibadanland.
“Political ambitions should never be pursued at the expense of our traditional institutions. I remain a loyal son of Ibadanland, a respectful son to the Olubadan, and a firm believer in preserving the dignity of our royal heritage,” Adelabu concluded.
