Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has cautioned traditional rulers in the state to remain neutral and avoid partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that those who take sides risk becoming targets of political attacks during campaigns.
The governor issued the warning on Saturday in Eruwa while being installed as the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola. The ceremony formed part of the week-long activities marking the monarch’s first coronation anniversary.
Makinde, who is preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made it clear that traditional rulers who step into the political arena should not expect preferential treatment.
“By next week, I will start getting into the mode to start talking, singing and even abusing people. That is it,” he said.
He added: “I won’t abuse anyone in the palace because all our monarchs are fathers to all. But when I step out of the palace and get outside, I will be abusing them because that is what we do in politics. We usually abuse each other.”
The governor disclosed that he had previously turned down several offers of chieftaincy titles from traditional rulers across Oyo State. His consistent response, he explained, was that such honours should come only after the end of his tenure as governor.
“When Eleruwa called that he wanted to give me a chieftaincy title, I told him that many monarchs in Oyo State have been calling me for chieftaincy titles, but I have been declining, urging them to allow me finish my term as the governor of Oyo State if they think I was deserving,” Makinde recalled.
He said he later accepted an invitation to the Eleruwa’s first coronation anniversary, only to discover upon his return from holiday that arrangements for his installation had already been concluded.
Makinde expressed appreciation to Oba Adegbola for the honour conferred on him and his wife, who was also installed as the Yeye Asoludero of Ibarapaland. The titles were given in recognition of their service and developmental contributions to the state.
During the ceremony, the Eleruwa presented a list of developmental requests to the governor, urging him to prioritise projects such as the renovation of the Eruwa farm settlement before the end of his administration.