The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the widow of former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, Florence Ajimobi, have dismissed allegations linking them to a plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.
The denial follows claims that members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, were being influenced to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor.
The controversy intensified after the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, alleged that the Speaker had been invited by both the Olubadan and Mrs Ajimobi, where offers were reportedly made to support his governorship ambition.
Oyekola claimed the invitations were part of a broader effort to destabilise the state and create division within the Assembly. However, he stressed his loyalty to the governor, stating he had no involvement in any such plan.
Reacting, the Olubadan, through his media aide, described the allegation as false and cautioned against dragging the traditional institution into political controversies, noting that a monarch lacks the constitutional power to influence impeachment proceedings.
Similarly, Florence Ajimobi denied the claims, describing them as baseless and politically motivated attempts to tarnish her reputation and mislead the public.
Ogundoyin also refuted allegations that he received financial inducements to facilitate the governor’s removal, insisting that although he was presented with offers, he rejected them and remained loyal to the administration.
He clarified that his visit to the Olubadan was purely consultative, aimed at seeking blessings for his governorship ambition.
Meanwhile, political tensions heightened as Ayodele Fayose alleged an existing plot involving Governor Makinde and the traditional institution, further deepening the controversy.
The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State dismissed the impeachment claims as a distraction, while some lawmakers described the alleged plot as an attempt to destabilise the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
