“Leave the Monarch Out of Your Partisan Scuffles”—Sadare Warns Oyo Politicians

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has issued a stern warning to political actors to desist from dragging the stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland into partisan warfare, maintaining that the monarch remains an inviolable father figure to all.

Hon. Wasiu Olawale Sadare, the APC State Publicity Secretary, gave this warning while appearing as a guest on “Oro Ilu,” a popular current affairs program on Melody 107.7 FM anchored by MC Swagger.

Reacting to recent speculations linking the palace to partisan alignments and alleged impeachment plots, Sadare clarified that the monarch has long transitioned from the theatre of active politics to his role as the supreme traditional head and custodian of culture.

Sadare emphasized that while the Olubadan had a storied history in political circles—having been associated with the PDP, Accord, and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the past—his ascension to the throne has placed him above the fray of party politics.

“The Olubadan has officially declared that he is no longer a card-carrying member of any political party,” Sadare stated. “He is a father to the pro-hunter, the pro-artisan, and the politician alike. Whether you are PDP, APC, or Accord, the palace doors are open to everyone as a matter of traditional duty.”

The APC spokesperson lamented the “desperation” of certain political elements who seek to validate their interests by name-dropping the monarch or inventing narratives of royal endorsement. He noted that the monarch’s willingness to grant audience to various interest groups should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of any partisan agenda.

Addressing the broader political climate in the state, Sadare also touched on rumors surrounding other high-profile figures, including Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi. He dismissed claims of her involvement in political “de-camping” or backroom deals as “unsubstantiated gossip” that serves no purpose other than to heat up the polity.

He urged media practitioners and political commentators to respect the denials issued by the media teams of such individuals, stressing that the state needs constructive discourse rather than the propagation of falsehoods.

Despite his call for the neutrality of the traditional institution, Sadare did not pull punches regarding the state of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He argued that the party is currently grappling with an identity crisis, noting that the “G-5” governors, including Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde, have visibly distanced themselves from the party’s central command.

“The PDP is a sinking ship, and the G-5 have already moved with the wind,” Sadare remarked, suggesting that the internal decay of the opposition party is a self-inflicted wound that does not require the involvement of the traditional institution to heal or worsen.

As the political landscape in Oyo State shifts ahead of future cycles, Sadare’s message remained clear: the sanctity of the Olubadan’s throne must be protected from the “partisan scuffles” of those seeking to gain cheap political points.