The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has dismissed growing claims by politicians in Oyo State allegedly linking their 2027 governorship ambitions to his endorsement, insisting that only the electorate can determine who succeeds at the polls.
Speaking with journalists at his private residence on Ondo Street in Bodija, Ibadan, on Wednesday, the monarch said politicians were free to associate themselves with him or publicly claim his support.
According to the Olubadan, his position as a father figure to many political actors in the state makes it difficult to prevent aspirants from invoking his name in their political campaigns.
“As a father to many of them, I cannot stop anyone from using my name politically,” he said.
Ladoja, however, stressed that endorsements alone would not guarantee electoral victory, noting that candidates’ achievements, popularity, political influence and campaign strategies would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
“Any of my sons can use my name and say I have endorsed them. It is only their work and how they market themselves that will stand them out and make them win. I’m a father to all of them,” the monarch added.
