The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged politicians across different ideological persuasions to engage in robust discussions on issues affecting the people rather than resorting to insults against opponents.
Oba Ladoja made the call on Monday while receiving members of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by its chairman, Prof. Ramoni Akinoso, and the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Gbolarumi Azeem, at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
The Olubadan said there were several issues requiring serious political discussion, including poverty alleviation, education, healthcare and land use, which directly affect the welfare of voters.
He described all the gubernatorial candidates contesting the 2027 Oyo State governorship election as members of the Ladoja household, urging them to avoid bitterness and focus their campaigns on issues.
“While I welcome you to Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, there is no gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 election that does not belong to my household, including you, the former Deputy Governor, Chief Gbolarumi Azeem. All of you belong to No. 28 Ondo Street, Bodija,” Ladoja said.
The monarch urged the politicians to remember the people and their supporters if they emerge victorious in the elections.
He also congratulated candidates contesting elections on the PDP platform in 2027 and stressed the importance of issue-based political discussions, saying such engagements would enable voters to make informed choices.
Earlier, the Oyo State PDP governorship candidate, Alhaji Gbolarumi Azeem, praised the Olubadan and presented the party’s candidates to him for royal blessings.
Azeem recalled that the Olubadan contested and won the 2003 Oyo State governorship election on the platform of the PDP, adding that the party would continue to seek his royal blessing.
Members of the Olubadan-in-Council who attended the meeting included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Ekerin Balogun, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin.
The statement was signed by Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and dated September 14, 2026.
