Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and emotionally manipulative statement issued by the Oyo State PDP, attempting to paint the Honourable Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, as being disrespectful to the memory of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige I.
We find this allegation false, politically motivated, and grossly irresponsible. For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Adelabu holds the institution of the Olubadan and its occupiers in the highest possible esteem, both as a bona fide indigene of Ibadanland from both parents and as a Chief of Ibadan.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu is not just an Ibadan man — he is Ibadan personified. Born to illustrious parents from two proud Ibadan lineages, raised in the heart of the city, and honoured with a revered chieftaincy title, his roots run deeper than the very soil of our ancient land. For anyone to suggest that such a man — a true son of the land in blood, culture, and service — would disrespect the sacred memory of the Olubadan is not only an insult to his person but an affront to the collective heritage of Ibadanland.
The Olubadan stool is not a distant cultural symbol to Chief Adelabu — it is a deep-rooted heritage he grew up respecting. His father and mother are proud Ibadan indigenes, and his own chieftaincy title places him under the sacred responsibility of upholding the dignity of Ibadanland.
It is therefore illogical and insulting for anyone to suggest that he would deliberately disrespect the memory of a revered monarch, especially one as beloved as Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The PDP’s attempt to connect the APC’s Bodija market campaign flag-off to disrespect for the Olubadan is a deliberate twist of the truth. The campaign was a party-organized event whose planning involved multiple stakeholders and logistical arrangements already in motion before the unfortunate passing of the Olubadan. The Honourable Minister is not the sole determinant of APC’s campaign calendar and was not in charge of that scheduling.
It is deeply regrettable that the PDP would use the solemn occasion of a monarch’s burial to score cheap political points. The Olubadan’s memory should unite the people of Ibadan, not be turned into a political weapon. Chief Adelabu has always shown respect to traditional institutions — through his personal visits, support, and cultural engagements — far beyond what many of his accusers can boast of.
The claim that Chief Adelabu was “busy attending political meetings” while the Olubadan was being honoured is another distortion. The Honourable Minister’s official and political schedules are numerous, but this has never stopped him from paying homage and respect to the palace when necessary.
Let it be made clear: Chief Adelabu has extended his condolences in line with cultural etiquette and remains committed to honouring the late monarch’s legacy in his own capacity.
The PDP’s use of phrases like “Olubadan’s spirit will haunt APC” is not only uncivil but also an affront to the dignity of our traditional institutions. No true son or daughter of Ibadanland should reduce our revered stool to a tool for political curses. Such utterances expose the depth of desperation in the PDP’s camp.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu remains a proud Ibadan son, committed to the preservation of our culture, the honour of our traditional rulers, and the unity of our people. The people of Ibadanland know his record of service, philanthropy, and respect for the throne.
We therefore urge the public to disregard this PDP propaganda and focus on building a respectful and issue-based political environment in Oyo State.
Signed,
Prince Omiyale Ademola (Coordinator)
Comr. Toyinbo Ayanwusi (State Secretary)
Return of Adelabu Penlemesi 2027 Group
August 9, 2025.
