By Adeola Badru

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has warned politicians in Oyo State, cautioning that any attempt to denigrate the revered Olubadan stool will attract grave consequences.

The warning was conveyed in a statement released Tuesday by the CCII Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Olomide, amid mounting concern over what the council described as increasingly reckless utterances and conduct by some power-seeking political actors in the state.

According to the council, recent actions and statements by certain politicians have exceeded acceptable limits and now posed a threat to the dignity and sanctity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

The President-General of the CCII, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, emphasised that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool. He warned that the body would not stand idly by while the revered throne is desecrated for political advantage.

“The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times,” Ajewole declared.

He further noted that the Olubadan remained a unifying father figure for all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, irrespective of political affiliations.

“All politicians in Oyo State are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution,” he stated.

Ajewole issued a particularly strong caution against disparaging remarks directed at the monarch, stressing that such actions would no longer be overlooked.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of the Olubadan and the stool, and then turning around to tender any apology, will not be tolerated any longer. If you tamper with that stool, you must be prepared to face the consequences.”

He further underscored the independence and symbolic importance of the traditional institution:

“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed,” Ajewole submitted. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” he added.

The CCII reiterated that the Olubadan institution remained strictly non-partisan and has consistently maintained neutrality while commanding respect from all political actors in the state.

The council also expressed strong displeasure over incidents in which politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such behaviour as irresponsible and wholly unacceptable.

It urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political disagreements must never degenerate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

Appealing for greater maturity in political engagement, Ajewole said: “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities across Oyo State.