2027 Election: Voters, Not Me, Will Decide Oyo Leaders — Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has said that voters, not traditional authority or personal influence, will determine who emerges as leaders in the 2027 elections in Oyo State.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, made the statement while speaking with journalists at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Wednesday.

He said many governorship aspirants and political candidates in the state have been associating themselves with his name to gain political advantage.

According to him, while politicians are free to relate with him as “children,” electoral victory will ultimately depend on their popularity, performance and public acceptance.

“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But the populace will decide who rules them at the end of the day, not my name,” he said.

The monarch stressed that political outcomes would be determined by voters based on records and credibility, not endorsements or associations.

Ladoja also commented on the recent abduction of 39 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as unfortunate.

He expressed confidence that government and security agencies were working to secure the release of the victims, though details of operations would not be disclosed publicly for security reasons.

He further condemned land grabbing in Ibadanland, describing it as unacceptable in the ancient city.