… Says Electorate, Not Endorsements, Will Decide Oyo Governorship Race
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has dismissed growing claims by politicians allegedly linking their 2027 governorship ambitions in Oyo State to his endorsement.
Speaking with journalists at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Oba Ladoja said politicians were free to associate themselves with him or claim his support.
According to the monarch, as a father figure to many political actors in the state, he cannot stop anyone from using his name politically.
He, however, stressed that endorsements alone cannot guarantee electoral victory, noting that the personal records, political strength, acceptability and campaign strategies of aspirants would determine who succeeds in the 2027 governorship election.
The Olubadan added that all aspirants remain his “sons,” insisting that it is their individual performance and ability to connect with the electorate that would stand them out.
Ladoja’s remarks come amid increasing political consultations and permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship race in the state.