The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, has declared that, he has no anointed gubernatorial candidate ahead of the 2027 election in Oyo State, contrary to insinuations from some quarters.
Oba Ladoja, who is a former governor of the state, made the assertion on Monday, while hosting the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, at his Oke Aremo palace.
Gbolarumi, a former deputy governor of the state, was accompanied to the palace by PDP State Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso; State Secretary, Dr. Biola Olanipekun; and other chieftains of the party.
In his address, Gbolarumi, also a former deputy governor of the state, noted that he was at the palace to seek the support of the traditional ruler ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged the traditional ruler to give him all the necessary support to emerge victorious in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Gbolarumi said, “I am here to seek the royal blessing from the Olubadan. No one has come here. I am the first person to come here. I came here to seek your blessing so as to bless us. It is your work, sir. I must say that before Kabiesi ascended the throne, he was the one who brought PDP to Oyo State in 1998.”
Prof. Akinoso, in his contribution, said the visit became necessary in view of the forthcoming campaigns ahead of the general elections.
“We are members of PDP in Oyo State. We have the PDP executive members and our candidates across the state here. There are some that could not make it to the palace today. We said that it is necessary for us to seek the support of the royal father before we start our campaigns. That is why we are here.” He stated.
Addressing the gathering, Oba Ladoja, maintained that he had no anointed candidate, stressing that all gubernatorial candidates in the state are his children, charging them and their supporters to shun all forms of violence before, during and after the elections.
The traditional ruler prayed that God almighty, who gives power answer their prayers.
He said, “I greet you all. I want you to know that all the candidates are from the same house. I have no anointed candidate. All of you are from the same house. All the gubernatorial candidates are from my house. You are children of the Olubadan.
“I pray that God will answer your prayers. It is God that giveth power. He makes whoever He wants to make. Go and start your campaigns peacefully. Do not involve in violence. Your enemy today can be your best friend tomorrow. My prayers are that all of you will succeed in your endeavours.
