Political tension has intensified in Oyo State following a chain of explosive allegations linking Governor Seyi Makinde to an alleged plot to dethrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as separate rumours of an impeachment move against the governor continue to unsettle the political landscape.
The controversy, which has dominated political conversations across Ibadan and beyond in recent days, first gained momentum after former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose alleged that Seyi Makinde was behind moves to remove the revered monarch from the throne.
The allegation sent shockwaves through the state, given the symbolic and political significance of the Olubadan stool in Ibadanland.
READ ALSO
The traditional institution is regarded not only as a cultural authority but also as a stabilising force in Oyo politics, making any suggestion of interference highly sensitive.
Fayose later reinforced the claim during a visit to the residence of Oba Ladoja, insisting there were authentic moves aimed at destabilising the palace.
However, the Olubadan Palace moved swiftly to dismiss the allegation.
Speaking through the monarch’s media aide, the palace described the claim as false, misleading and politically motivated.
According to the palace, there is no truth to any rumour of a dethronement plot, insisting that the relationship between Governor Seyi Makinde and Oba Ladoja remains cordial and respectful.
The Oyo State Government also issued a strong rebuttal.
Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade said at no point did the governor contemplate, discuss or approve any move capable of tampering with the traditional institution.
He stressed that the administration has consistently shown respect for royal institutions across the state.
Just as the dethronement controversy appeared to be losing momentum, a fresh political storm emerged over allegations of an impeachment plot against seyi Makinde.
The new twist has further heightened tension within the state’s political establishment.
At the centre of the development is the Oyo State House of Assembly, where reports surfaced that some lawmakers were being pressured to initiate impeachment proceedings against governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin reportedly revealed that he was approached with financial inducements running into billions of naira to support what he described as an unconstitutional move.
The Speaker was also said to have rejected promises of political backing and protection from powerful interests.
His position appeared to validate the existence of external pressure while also signalling resistance from within the Assembly leadership.
Chief Whip Gbenga Oyekola also publicly denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde and said the House remains committed to legislative stability and the mandate of the people.
Despite these denials, the silence of some lawmakers has continued to fuel speculation of possible divisions within the Assembly.
Political observers say the silence is as significant as the public declarations of loyalty, as it suggests that internal tensions may not have been fully resolved.
Sources within the state’s political circle said Governor Makinde has since convened a strategic meeting with lawmakers in a bid to douse tensions and prevent the crisis from escalating.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, was said to focus on reaffirming unity between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The twin controversies have now placed two major institutions under intense public scrutiny — the Olubadan Palace and the House of Assembly.
Analysts say the developments could have far-reaching implications for political alignments in Oyo State, especially as conversations around future succession and 2027 power calculations begin to gather pace.
For now, every major actor named in the unfolding drama has issued a denial, but the controversy has exposed the fragility of trust within the state’s political ecosystem.
Whether the crisis fades with these denials or develops into a deeper political confrontation remains to be seen.
