Traditional and community leaders in Ibadanland have distanced themselves from a viral video purportedly showing some Mogajis endorsing the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement, APM, presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde.
The video, which has been circulating on social media, also purportedly showed some individuals identified as Mogajis declaring Makinde as their preferred presidential candidate and APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as their choice for governor in the 2027 general elections.
However, the leadership of the Mogajis in Ibadanland, Baales, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, and other traditional bodies said the purported endorsement does not represent the position of Ibadanland.
In a joint statement signed by the President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, ICPI, Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, the purported endorsement was described as unauthorized.
The two leaders said the Association of Mogajis in Ibadanland, which they said has more than 400 members under Ariori’s leadership, was not consulted before the purported endorsement.
They described the development as “a schematic drama and theatre,” insisting that those behind the video were not recognised by the traditional hierarchy of Ibadanland.
The statement further said the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council, CCII and Baales across Ibadanland were not aware of or consulted on the purported endorsement.
The traditional leaders urged members of the public to disregard the individuals behind the video and warned against actions capable of undermining the peace and tranquillity of Oyo State before, during and after the 2027 elections.