Olubadan Ladoja dismisses impeachment claims against Makinde

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has rejected claims that he is plotting to impeach Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing the allegation as false and constitutionally unfounded.
In a statement released through his media aide, the monarch emphasised that traditional rulers have no authority within Nigeria’s democratic framework to remove elected officials from office. He noted that even local government chairmen cannot be impeached by monarchs, making the claim against a sitting governor unrealistic.
Drivetvnews gathered that the palace also raised concerns over what it described as conflicting narratives emerging in the state’s political space. It pointed out that within a short period, allegations had shifted from claims that the governor planned to remove the Olubadan to accusations that the monarch was attempting to impeach the governor.
The development follows earlier comments by former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, who alleged that Governor Makinde was plotting to depose the Olubadan. Fayose claimed that the process would begin with an official query over the monarch’s absence at a recent coronation ceremony involving high chiefs in Ibadanland.
He further suggested that the impeachment narrative being linked to the Olubadan was part of a broader political strategy aimed at portraying the monarch as partisan.
Amid the growing controversy, political figures in Oyo State have distanced themselves from any alleged move to destabilise the government. The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde, denying involvement in any impeachment plan.
Oyekola stressed his commitment to maintaining peace and unity in the state, pledging continued support for the administration.
He also clarified reports regarding a meeting between the Speaker of the State Assembly and the Olubadan, explaining that the visit was unrelated to any impeachment discussions. According to him, the meeting was primarily for political consultations, during which certain suggestions were made but not accepted.
The situation continues to generate debate within the state’s political landscape, with stakeholders calling for calm and a focus on stability.