Adelabu’s Political Miscalculation At Oba Ladoja’s Coronation, By Badru Ramah
The coronation and birthday celebration of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Sen. Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), was meant to be a sacred cultural event—an occasion to honor tradition, unity, and heritage. Unfortunately, what should have been a dignified gathering was marred by a political show that has now become a talking point across Oyo State.
Hon. Minister for Power and the Oyo All Progressives Congress (APC) turned the coronation ground into what looked like a campaign rally. Convoys of branded buses and cars with Tinubu–Adelabu 2027 inscriptions lined the streets, creating more of a political jamboree than a royal celebration. While such displays may excite a handful of loyalists, the broader public perception is clear: this was not only a misstep but an outright embarrassment.
It begs the question—who are Adelabu’s strategists and advisers? For a politician who is still struggling to cement his place within his party, this level of premature showmanship does not demonstrate strength but rather desperation. Instead of presenting himself as a unifier, he posed as a threat to his counterparts within APC. This only deepens existing cracks in a party that is already fragile and battling internal disunity in Oyo State. I even saw one of his errand boys saying we are federal government pikin — what a shame!.
To be honest and beyond the optics, the timing of this political display is fundamentally wrong. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), campaigns for the 2027 general elections have not officially begun. By violating this directive in such a brazen manner, Adelabu risks not only public ridicule but also legal consequences. The move reeks of disregard for electoral laws, which further erodes public trust. However, who go prosecute them?, after all, they are federal government pikin.
More importantly, this incident highlights a dangerous miscalculation. By attempting to overshadow a cultural and historic moment with political propaganda, Adelabu alienated neutral observers and traditional stakeholders who value the sanctity of Yoruba institutions. Instead of endearing himself to the people, he created resentment, and such resentment has electoral consequences.
If this is the template of his campaign, then APC in Oyo State is headed for disaster. Rather than positioning itself as an alternative to the ruling party, APC now appears divided, confused, and leaderless. This singular misstep may well be the final nail in the coffin for the party in Oyo, paving the way for its rivals to consolidate power.
In truth, if current trends continue, Adelabu and the APC are not only unlikely to challenge the dominant forces in 2027 but may very well come a distant third. What happened at Oba Ladoja’s coronation was not strategy—it was a spectacle of political failure.
Ire oooo
BADRU, Idris Oriyomi Ramah is a public affairs analyst and political commentator based in Ibadan.
