The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja has said that the victory of any politician jostling to contest the gubernatorial election in the state will be determined by his antecedents and popularity and not his name.
The declaration was made by the former governor of the state while addressing journalists at his Bodija, Ibadan residence on Wednesday.
Ladoja said most of the gubernatorial aspirants and candidates in the state are using his name to campaign.
“All the politicians in the state are my children,” the traditional ruler said.
He said there is nothing wrong if politicians seeking elective positions in 2027 are using his name to promote themselves.
But he cautioned that the victory of those seeking elective posts will depend on their antecedents and popularity and not his name.
Speaking on the recent abduction of 39 students and teachers in some communities in Oriire local government area of the state, the monarch said government and security agencies are doing their best to ensure the release of the children.
He called the incident a tragedy.
“If it means something to them, they can use my name to promote themselves. But in the end it is the people who will decide who rules them, not my name.
“Government and security agencies are doing their best. “They will not tell you what they are doing to secure the release of those abducted for security purposes.
The traditional ruler also frowned at all manner of land grabbing in the ancient city.
