Politicians Told to Respect Olubadan or Risk Losing Ibadan’s Support – Sanusi

The Okanlomo Odua, Chief Dotun Sanusi, has cautioned politicians against making statements capable of undermining the revered stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any form of disrespect toward the institution could attract serious political and cultural consequences.

Sanusi, who also doubles as the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland reacted following the recent comments credited to chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayo Adelabu, during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, where he reportedly stated that former Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja, was responsible for the APC’s failure to win the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State. Adelabu was also quoted as saying that party members would resist any attempt to impose a candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

The statement has since generated reactions within political and traditional circles in Ibadan, especially amid interpretations that the comments indirectly touched sensitive issues surrounding the Olubadan institution and Ibadan’s traditional leadership structure.

In a strongly worded response released on Saturday, Sanusi stressed that the Olubadan stool remains a sacred symbol of Ibadan identity, unity, and heritage, insisting that public office holders and political actors must exercise restraint and wisdom in their utterances.

“Any spoken word directed against the sacred institution of the Olubadan of Ibadanland is not merely a statement, it carries deep political and cultural consequences,” he stated.

According to him, Ibadanland is built on a long-standing tradition where respect for the Olubadan and the traditional hierarchy is central to the collective identity of the people, warning that careless rhetoric against the institution could alienate political actors from the grassroots support they seek.

“Ibadanland stands on a proud heritage where tradition, leadership, and respect for the Olubadan stool are inseparable from the identity of its people. To speak carelessly or disrespectfully about this institution is to challenge the very foundation upon which Ibadan unity is built,” Sanusi added.

The businessman and influential Ibadan title holder further warned politicians against actions or comments capable of diminishing the revered status of the monarchy, noting that the people of Ibadan remain deeply loyal to their traditional institution.

“Let this serve as a clear warning to all politicians: the loyalty of Ibadan people is firmly rooted in their reverence for their traditional authority. Any act, statement, or rhetoric that undermines this institution will not be taken lightly and may result in the loss of political goodwill and support,” he said.

Sanusi concluded by calling for caution, respect, and maturity in political engagements and public discussions, particularly as permutations ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship election continue to gather momentum.

“This is a call for caution, respect, and wisdom in public discourse. The voice of Ibadanland is united, and its heritage must be honored at all times,” the statement concluded.