The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has stated that he would have joined the Rainbow Coalition if he were still active in partisan politics, but emphasized that his role as a traditional ruler necessitates political neutrality. The monarch made these remarks on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee at his palace in Ibadan.
Ladoja explained that although he appreciated the political initiative behind the coalition, his traditional position demands fairness and equal treatment of all political tendencies. “If I were still a politician, I would have joined the Rainbow Coalition. But now that I am a traditional ruler, my responsibility is different,” he said. “I have to accommodate everybody, irrespective of the political party they belong to. I cannot take sides with any political party or candidate. My duty is to receive everybody, advise them and admonish them where necessary.”
The Olubadan stressed the importance of traditional rulers in sustaining democratic stability, particularly during electioneering periods. He urged politicians to prioritize national interest over personal ambitions and partisan considerations, calling for leadership anchored on credibility, integrity, and the ability to earn public trust amidst Nigeria’s numerous challenges.
Leading the delegation was PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, accompanied by members of the party’s national leadership and Hazeem Gbolarumi, the PDP’s governorship candidate in Oyo State. The group paid homage to the monarch and formally presented Gbolarumi to him ahead of the 2027 general elections, seeking royal blessings and counsel to strengthen the party’s relationship with traditional institutions.
Anyanwu reaffirmed the PDP’s recognition of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as the party’s national leader, stating that the party’s political direction remains firmly anchored on the Rainbow Coalition. “We remain committed to the Rainbow Coalition formed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. We recognise him as the national leader of our party, and we are committed to the political direction he has provided,” Anyanwu declared.
The PDP National Secretary also reaffirmed the group’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, describing it as part of the party’s political commitment ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He noted that the party would continue to engage stakeholders across the country to consolidate alliances and advance its interests, while Ladoja appealed to all political stakeholders to conduct themselves in ways that preserve the country’s peace and stability as preparations for the upcoming elections gather momentum.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
