The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has cautioned journalists and social media publishers against reports allegedly portraying him as politically partisan, warning that those responsible could face legal action.
The monarch’s position was conveyed by his Media Aide, Chief Adesola Oloko, following reports concerning a recent courtesy visit to the Olubadan’s palace by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
Yilwatda had visited the palace during a trip to Ibadan to receive an honorary award from a university in the city. However, some online reports reportedly interpreted the visit as an indication that the Olubadan had aligned himself with the APC.
Reacting to the reports, Oloko dismissed the interpretation as unfounded, explaining that the Olubadan, as a traditional ruler, receives visitors irrespective of their political affiliations.
He explained that Yilwatda informed the monarch that he was in Ibadan to receive an honorary award and considered it appropriate to pay a courtesy visit to the Olubadan as part of his visit.
According to Oloko, such visits should not be interpreted as political endorsements, stressing that the Olubadan remains a father to all and would receive visitors from different political parties and backgrounds.
He cited previous visits by prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as examples of the monarch’s open-door approach.
The Olubadan’s media aide urged journalists and online publishers to verify information before publishing reports concerning the traditional institution, particularly information capable of damaging the reputation of the monarch.
He expressed concern over what he described as a practice where an initial report is allegedly copied and reproduced by several other online platforms without independent verification.
Oloko maintained that the Olubadan’s position as a traditional ruler requires him to maintain cordial relationships with people across political divides and that receiving a visitor should not automatically be construed as support for the visitor’s political party.
He therefore warned publishers responsible for what the palace considers defamatory or misleading reports to desist, stressing that continued publication of such reports could result in legal action.
The warning underscores the palace’s position that the Olubadan remains politically neutral in his traditional capacity and will continue to receive individuals from different political, social and professional backgrounds.
The palace also appealed to members of the media and the public to exercise responsibility when reporting activities involving the monarch and the traditional institution.
