The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja has declared that the antecedents and popularity of politicians jostling to contest the gubernatorial election in the state will determine their victory and not his name.
The former governor of the state made the declaration while addressing journalists at his Bodija, Ibadan residence on Wednesday.
Ladoja said that most of the gubernatorial aspirant and candidates in the state are campaigning with his name.
The traditional ruler described all the politicians in the state as his children.
He said it is fine if politicians running for office in 2027 are using his name to promote themselves.
But he warned that the victory of those seeking elective positions will depend on their antecedents and popularity and not his name.
Speaking on the recent abduction of 39 students and teachers in some communities in Oriire local government area of the state, the monarch stated that government and security agencies are doing their best to ensure the release of the children.
He called the incident sad.
“If it means something to them, they can use my name to promote themselves. But it’s the people who will decide who rules them, not my name.
“Government and security agencies are doing their best. It’s just that they won’t tell you what they are doing to secure the release of those abducted for security purposes,” he said.
The traditional ruler also frowned upon all manner of land grabbing in the ancient city.
