The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Thursday dismissed reports of a rift between him and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing the claims as false and misleading.
This came amid earlier reports alleging that the monarch had directed a boycott of the coronation of three Ibadan High Chiefs and relocated to Lagos in protest against the state government.
However, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said he neither left Ibadan nor opposed the planned coronation, insisting that he remains in the ancient city and is carrying out his traditional duties.
“The attention of His Imperial Majesty has been drawn to trending news that there is a rift between Governor Seyi Makinde and Kabiyesi. We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift,” the statement read.
The palace also refuted claims that the monarch travelled out of Ibadan to avoid the coronation ceremony scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026.
According to the statement, “Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan.”
The palace further clarified that the three affected High Chiefs — Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan), Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun), and Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Ekaarun Balogun) — had formally notified the Olubadan of their inability to attend the ceremony.
It added that the chiefs had requested a postponement of the coronation, and that the development had been duly communicated to the state government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The clarification followed heightened tension in the state after reports suggested a looming confrontation between the traditional institution and the state government over the coronation.
The earlier claims had also raised concerns about a possible strain in relations between the Olubadan palace and the Oyo State Government, with observers warning of potential implications for governance and stability.
However, the latest statement from the palace appears to have doused speculations, reaffirming that there is no dispute between the monarch and Governor Makinde, while attributing the delay in the coronation to the unavailability of the affected chiefs.
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