‘Olubadan Stool Not Political Instrument’-Ogundipe …Says Frail Nerves Must Not Produce Reckless Narratives

A socio-political group, IBILE, has cautioned that the Olubadan stool must be insulated from political activity so that the traditional institution will be preserved.

IBILE in a statement signed by its president and former president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe, said people should use appropriate channels to ventilate their grievances.

He stated;

“The attention of the IBILE Club has been drawn to a series of circulating narratives, commentaries, and speculative claims—particularly on social media—linking recent developments in Oyo State to allegations of financial impropriety, political destabilisation, and most troublingly, the unwarranted insertion of the Olubadan of Ibadanland into these matters.

“We state, without hesitation, that these developments reflect frail nerves, heightened political anxiety, and a disturbing resort to conjecture over fact.

“Serious allegations—whether relating to public funds, governance decisions, or political manoeuvres—must be grounded in verifiable evidence, institutional channels, and due process. They must not be reduced to sensational headlines, social media arithmetic, or speculative associations. Public discourse must rise above noise and remain anchored in responsibility.

“More importantly, the IBILE Club views with grave concern the increasing tendency by some political actors—within and outside Oyo State—to drag the revered Olubadan institution into the murky waters of partisan contest.”

Continuing, Ogundipe counselled:
“Frail nerves must not produce reckless narratives.And desperate political quests must not conscript the throne.

”The IBILE Club will continue to advocate for responsible discourse, institutional respect, and the preservation of the delicate balance between tradition and governance.”

Below is the full text of the statement

PRESS STATEMENT

Re: Rising Political Narratives and the Unwarranted Dragging of the Olubadan Institution into Partisan Controversies

The attention of the IBILE Club has been drawn to a series of circulating narratives, commentaries, and speculative claims—particularly on social media—linking recent developments in Oyo State to allegations of financial impropriety, political destabilisation, and most troublingly, the unwarranted insertion of the Olubadan of Ibadanland into these matters.

We state, without hesitation, that these developments reflect frail nerves, heightened political anxiety, and a disturbing resort to conjecture over fact.

Serious allegations—whether relating to public funds, governance decisions, or political manoeuvres—must be grounded in verifiable evidence, institutional channels, and due process. They must not be reduced to sensational headlines, social media arithmetic, or speculative associations. Public discourse must rise above noise and remain anchored in responsibility.

More importantly, the IBILE Club views with grave concern the increasing tendency by some political actors—within and outside Oyo State—to drag the revered Olubadan institution into the murky waters of partisan contest.

Let it be clearly stated:

“The Olubadan stool is not a political instrument. It must not be reduced to one.”

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, as custodian of a historic and disciplined traditional system, represents an institution that predates modern political structures and must remain insulated from their excesses.

Any attempt—direct or implied—to associate the throne with political bargaining, inducement narratives, or impeachment conjectures is not only irresponsible but deeply injurious to institutional integrity.

We, therefore ,call on all political actors, commentators, and interested parties to exercise restraint.

Refrain from diluting facts with speculation

Desist from dragging the Olubadan institution into partisan pursuits

Allow governance issues to be addressed through proper constitutional and investigative channels

Political ambition, no matter how pressing, must not come at the cost of institutional erosion.

At a time when tensions appear elevated, what is required is not escalation, but clarity, discipline, and respect for boundaries.

The throne must remain where history has placed it—above the fray, not within it.

Conclusion

“Frail nerves must not produce reckless narratives.And desperate political quests must not conscript the throne.”

The IBILE Club will continue to advocate for responsible discourse, institutional respect, and the preservation of the delicate balance between tradition and governance.

e-signed:

Lanre Ogundipe

President, IBILE Club

April 15, 2026.