Fayose warns Makinde over alleged Olubadan removal plot, says “tenure is time-bound”

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over alleged moves to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, warning that political office is temporary and time-bound.

Fayose made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a visit to the Olubadan’s residence in the Bodija area of the city.

The former governor insisted that Makinde should exercise restraint in the exercise of power, stressing that while traditional rulers reign by “divine arrangement”, political office holders operate within constitutionally limited terms.

“The Olubadan has an eternal tenure with God. I was once a governor 23 years ago. Your tenure is tied to the Constitution of Nigeria, while other tenures like that of the Olubadan of Ibadanland are tied to God,” Fayose said.

He further cautioned against what he described as political overreach, adding that those currently in power must remember that their stay in office is temporary.

“Those who are fumbling today should remember that their tenure is time bound. Olubadan, by the grace of God, you will see another governor after that, and another after that, and God will keep you on the throne,” he added.

Fayose, who said he was in Ibadan to express solidarity with the traditional ruler, dismissed what he described as “noise and bickering” surrounding the issue.

“I have come to identify with you. All these noise, all these bickering, they should remember I, Peter Ayodele Fayose, was governor 23 years ago,” he said.

He urged the monarch to remain focused despite the controversy, advising him to ignore distractions from critics, whom he metaphorically referred to as “dogs barking in the compound.”

Fayose’s comments come amid rising political tension in Oyo State over allegations and counter-allegations involving the state government and the traditional institution.