Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has sent a stern warning to traditional rulers across the state: stay neutral or face the consequences. He made it clear on Saturday in Eruwa during the 1st coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, that the stool of any monarch must be a father to all, untouched by the often murky waters of partisan politics.
Makinde, who was himself honoured with the chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland at the event, insisted that traditional rulers should steer clear of political engagements and embrace all political actors without bias. He added that anyone found to be playing politics would simply be treated as a politician – a clear indication that their traditional immunity or neutrality would be revoked.
And this isn't just a casual statement. Makinde, who is also the presidential candidate for the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the upcoming 2027 general elections, says he’s ready to campaign vigorously across Nigeria. He emphasized that his ambition to lead the nation won't be limited to any single region and that he's prepared to take his message of good governance and development to every corner of the country, engaging directly with Nigerians to present his vision.
He expressed his gratitude to the Eleruwa and the people of Ibarapaland for the chieftaincy title, viewing it as a significant responsibility that would deepen his commitment to public service and national development. This honour, he implied, fuels his drive to work even harder for the betterment of the country.
In his address, Oba Adegbola lauded Makinde's administration, citing his numerous achievements and significant progress across Oyo State. He pledged the unwavering support of the traditional rulers in Ibarapaland for the governor's administration. The monarch also took the opportunity to present a list of developmental needs for the Ibarapaland region to the governor, including crucial requests for more road projects and other essential infrastructure development. He voiced his confidence that the governor would address these pressing needs.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Debo Ogundoyin, was also present and described Governor Makinde's tenure as the most impactful for Ibarapaland since Nigeria's return to democratic rule. He specifically highlighted ongoing projects like the Ido–Eruwa Road and the inner roads within Eruwa, noting that these developments have fostered a strong belief that no community will be overlooked.
The occasion also marked the inauguration of the newly constructed palace for the Eleruwa of Eruwa. The event drew a large crowd of traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, and other notable dignitaries from across the state, underscoring the importance of the anniversary and the governor's presence.