The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has expressed support for the Rainbow Coalition being championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying he would have joined the political movement if he were still actively involved in partisan politics.
The monarch, however, explained that his position as a traditional ruler would not allow him to openly identify with any political party or candidate.
He maintained that his present responsibilities require him to accommodate politicians across different political platforms without showing preference for any group.
Ladoja made the remarks on Wednesday when he received a delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee, led by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, at his palace in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The delegation visited the monarch as part of its political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also used the occasion to formally introduce the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, while seeking the monarch’s royal blessings and guidance.
During the meeting, the Olubadan acknowledged the political initiative behind Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, suggesting that his personal political position would have been different if he had not assumed the traditional leadership of Ibadanland.
“If I were still a politician, I would have joined the Rainbow Coalition. But now that I am a traditional ruler, my responsibility is different.
“I have to accommodate everybody, irrespective of the political party they belong to. I cannot take sides with any political party or candidate. My duty is to receive everybody, advise them and admonish them where necessary,” the monarch said.
The Rainbow Coalition, associated with Wike, has become an important part of the political activities involving the PDP faction loyal to the FCT minister.
Although Ladoja expressed his willingness to have been part of the coalition under different circumstances, he made it clear that his traditional position places him above partisan interests.
He stressed that the palace must remain open to politicians regardless of their political affiliations.
The monarch further spoke about the responsibilities of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said traditional rulers have a role to play in maintaining peace, encouraging political understanding and ensuring that disagreements among political actors do not create unnecessary divisions within society.
He maintained that royal institutions should provide guidance to political leaders and encourage them to pursue their ambitions without threatening the country’s stability.
Ladoja also addressed the issue of leadership in Nigeria, noting that the country needs a credible individual who can earn the confidence of citizens and provide direction at a time when the nation faces several challenges.
According to him, the country requires a leader whose character and record can inspire confidence among Nigerians.
He emphasised the importance of integrity, credibility and purposeful leadership in addressing the nation’s difficulties.
The Olubadan urged politicians to consider the interests of the country above personal ambitions and party considerations.
He said political activities should be driven by a genuine commitment to national development rather than individual political gains.
He also appealed to political parties and their supporters to maintain peaceful relationships as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
Speaking earlier, Anyanwu explained that the visit was part of the party’s efforts to maintain a cordial relationship with traditional institutions across the country.
He said the delegation considered it important to seek the Olubadan’s royal blessings and benefit from his advice as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP National Secretary also used the meeting to reaffirm the group’s recognition of Wike as the national leader of the party.
He insisted that the delegation remained committed to the political direction established through the Rainbow Coalition.
According to Anyanwu, the coalition was created to encourage political cooperation and bring together individuals and groups interested in addressing Nigeria’s political and developmental challenges.
He maintained that the PDP leadership represented by the delegation would continue to work with the coalition and other political forces with similar interests.
“We remain committed to the Rainbow Coalition formed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“We recognise him as the national leader of our party, and we are committed to the political direction he has provided,” Anyanwu said.
The PDP national secretary also declared the group’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.