Adelabu Bows To Olubadan, Offers Unreserved Apology Over Controversial Remarks

Former Minister of Power and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the people of Ibadan over the controversy generated by remarks he made at a recent political meeting.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Adelabu said his comments had been misunderstood and were never intended as a slight on the revered monarch. His clarification followed reports alleging that he accused the Olubadan of taking sides with Senator Sarafadeen Alli ahead of the forthcoming Oyo State governorship election.

The former governorship candidate described the reports as a gross distortion of his remarks, stressing that he holds the Olubadan in the highest esteem and would never deliberately utter words capable of diminishing the dignity of the throne.

“I wish to sincerely and unreservedly apologise to Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, and the good people of Ibadanland for the misunderstanding and unintended controversy that arose from my statement at the political meeting,” Adelabu said.

He added that his respect for the Olubadan remained profound and unwavering, describing the stool as a revered institution and the monarch as a father figure deserving honour and utmost reverence from every son and daughter of Ibadanland.

Adelabu maintained that at no time did he suggest that the monarch had endorsed or taken sides with any aspirant within the APC, noting that his remarks were taken out of context and interpreted in a manner capable of creating needless tension.

He acknowledged the sensitivity of issues relating to the traditional institution, particularly in Ibadan, where the monarchy remains a powerful symbol of unity, heritage and collective pride.

“As a proud son of Ibadan, I fully understand the sacredness of the Olubadan throne. I would never intentionally drag Kabiyesi into partisan politics or make remarks that could suggest otherwise. If my words were misconstrued or caused discomfort in any way, I deeply regret it and humbly seek forgiveness,” he said.

The APC stalwart also appealed to his supporters and members of the public to disregard suggestions of a rift between him and the Olubadan, insisting that preserving the peace, unity and dignity of Ibadanland remains paramount.

He further urged political stakeholders, aspirants and their supporters to conduct their engagements with decorum and avoid actions capable of overheating the polity ahead of the governorship race.

Adelabu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, expressing confidence that the party’s eventual candidate would emerge through a transparent and credible process, free of rancour and unnecessary controversy.