Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned traditional rulers in the state against partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying any monarch who chooses to play politics should be prepared to be treated as a politician.
Makinde issued the warning on Saturday in Eruwa during the conferment of the traditional title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland on him by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.
His wife, Tamunominini Makinde, was also installed as Yeye-Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland.
The ceremony was part of activities marking the first anniversary of the Eleruwa’s reign and was held at the newly commissioned palace of the monarch.
Makinde urged traditional rulers to remain neutral and embrace political actors across party lines, stressing that monarchs should continue to serve as fathers to all residents in their domains.
“I appeal to our Kabiyesis to steer clear of partisan politics and to embrace all political actors without bias. Any monarch who interferes in politics or political matters will be treated as a politician,” the governor said.
Makinde said traditional rulers occupy a sensitive position in society and should concentrate on promoting peace, unity and development rather than becoming involved in partisan contests.
He added that anyone who wanted to participate openly in politics should be prepared for the treatment and criticism that come with political engagement.
The governor’s warning comes at a time when political activities are already intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants beginning to mobilise support across the country.
Makinde himself is at the centre of the emerging political contest. He has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM.
The Oyo governor said at the Eruwa event that his presidential ambition would not be limited to any particular region, adding that he was prepared to take his message of governance and development to Nigerians across the country.
He said the ambition would require extensive engagement with citizens as he seeks support for his presidential bid.
The governor also called for issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections, urging political candidates to focus on their programmes and policies instead of character assassination and political blackmail.
Makinde said the traditional institution remained an important pillar of governance at the grassroots and should be protected from political divisions.
The Eruwa ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.
The Eleruwa also presented development requests to the governor, including the renovation of the Eruwa farm settlement, and urged the state government to address them before the end of Makinde’s administration.
The governor had earlier explained that he had declined several traditional titles offered to him by monarchs in Oyo State, preferring that such honours be considered after his tenure as governor.
He said he initially gave the Eleruwa the same response but later accepted the invitation to the monarch’s first coronation anniversary, where he discovered that the chieftaincy honour had been arranged.
Makinde thanked the Eleruwa and the people of Ibarapaland for the honour, saying it came with a greater responsibility to continue contributing to the development of the state and the country.
As political mobilisation gathers pace ahead of 2027, the governor’s warning underscores the increasingly delicate role traditional institutions will play as politicians seek support from influential community leaders across Oyo State.
