Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned traditional rulers in the state to stay away from partisan politics ahead of the 2027 elections, saying monarchs who cross the line should be prepared for politicians to come after them during campaigns.
Makinde issued the warning in Eruwa while being installed as the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.
The governor, who is seeking the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), said traditional rulers occupy a special position as fathers to all and should therefore avoid taking sides in partisan political battles.
He, however, warned that politicians would not necessarily extend the same respect to monarchs who openly venture into political fights.
Makinde said the political season would soon become heated, with politicians exchanging harsh words as campaigns gather momentum.
He explained that while he would not attack any monarch inside a palace because of their traditional position, he would have no such restraint when engaging political opponents outside the palace.
According to him, verbal attacks and political exchanges are part of the rough-and-tumble of Nigerian politics.
The governor also recalled that he had previously rejected several attempts by traditional rulers in Oyo State to confer chieftaincy titles on him.
Makinde said he had always asked monarchs to wait until after the completion of his tenure as governor before honouring him with such titles.
He explained that he initially gave the same response when the Eleruwa contacted him about the proposed title.
However, he said the monarch later invited him to attend his first coronation anniversary, an event Makinde agreed to attend despite being on holiday.
According to the governor, he only realised what was being planned after returning from his holiday and discovering that the monarch had effectively “ambushed” him, with people already congratulating him on his installation.
Makinde expressed appreciation to the Eleruwa for the honour, while his wife was also installed as the Yeye Asoludero of Ibarapaland.
The ceremony formed part of activities marking the Eleruwa’s first anniversary on the throne.
In conferring the titles, Oba Adegbola said the governor and his wife were being recognised for their service, achievements and contributions to Ibarapaland.
The monarch also presented a list of developmental requests to the governor, with a particular appeal for the renovation of the Eruwa Farm Settlement before the Makinde administration winds down.
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