By Ayomide Otitoju
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has said that the antecedents and popularity of governorship aspirants in Oyo State will ultimately determine their chances of winning the 2027 election.
Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor and senator, stated this while speaking with journalists at his Bodija residence in Ibadan after Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
He noted that many politicians in the state were leveraging his name in their campaigns but stressed that voters would decide the outcome at the polls.
“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But the populace will decide who rules them at the end of the day, not my name,” he said.
The traditional ruler, who described all politicians in the state as his children, said there was nothing wrong with aspirants associating themselves with his name during their campaigns.
Speaking on the abduction of 39 pupils and teachers in parts of Oriire Local Government Area of the state, Ladoja described the incident as unfortunate and said security agencies were working to secure their release.
He noted that authorities would not disclose operational details for security reasons but expressed confidence in ongoing efforts.
The monarch also condemned cases of land grabbing in Ibadan, warning that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
