Oyo 2027: Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that he has no preferred or anointed candidate ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, made the clarification when he received the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hazeem Gbolarumi, and other party leaders at his palace in Ibadan.

Gbolarumi, who previously served as deputy governor of the state, visited the traditional ruler alongside the PDP state chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, the party’s state secretary, Dr Biola Olanipekun, and other party chieftains.

The delegation said the visit was aimed at seeking Ladoja’s royal blessing and support ahead of the 2027 election campaigns.

Gbolarumi described the visit as an important step and recalled Ladoja’s role in the emergence of the PDP in Oyo State. He also appealed to the monarch to support his ambition to become the next governor of the state.

Responding to the delegation, Ladoja said all governorship candidates were connected to him and should therefore be regarded as members of the same household.

The Olubadan stressed that he would not single out any candidate for personal endorsement.

He also urged the politicians and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, warning them against violence as political activities gather momentum across the state.

Ladoja reminded the candidates that political opponents could eventually become allies, urging them to avoid actions that could create unnecessary tension during the election season.

The monarch also encouraged politicians to focus their campaigns on issues affecting residents rather than insults and personal attacks. He specifically highlighted areas such as poverty reduction, education, healthcare and land use as issues that should receive attention during the electioneering period.

The 2027 Oyo governorship race is expected to attract candidates from several political parties as they seek to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde at the end of his tenure.

Ladoja’s declaration comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations and consultations ahead of the election.