A fresh political storm may be brewing in Oyo State as a socio-political group, Democracy Watchers, raises the alarm over what it describes as Governor Seyi Makinde’s alleged attempt to intimidate traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group accused the governor of using the weight of his political office to pressure monarchs who may not align with his political interests, warning that the revered traditional institution must not become a casualty of the approaching political battles.
The controversy followed comments attributed to Makinde during a ceremony in Eruwa, where the governor was honoured with a chieftaincy title by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.
Makinde reportedly warned traditional rulers who choose to engage in partisan politics to be prepared for the criticism and ridicule that come with political contests.
But Democracy Watchers said the warning was unacceptable, arguing that monarchs should be free to express their views and associate with political actors without being treated as political opponents.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olumide Yusuf, on Tuesday, the group declared that traditional rulers were not political appointees of the governor and should not be subjected to political intimidation.
“Traditional rulers are not political punching bags. They represent institutions older than elective offices,” the group said.
The group further alleged that some of Makinde’s political associates had attacked monarchs who expressed views perceived to be contrary to the governor’s interests.
It described the alleged attacks as an abuse of political influence and an affront to the custodians of Oyo’s history and culture.
Democracy Watchers also linked the controversy to the unfolding political calculations ahead of 2027, particularly speculation surrounding Makinde’s political ambitions beyond his current tenure as governor.
It accused the governor of becoming increasingly intolerant of opposing views and challenged him to confront traditional rulers directly rather than allegedly allowing political associates to act as surrogates.
The group said Makinde should remember that traditional rulers had played important roles in his political journey, including during his emergence as governor in 2019 and his re-election in 2023.
It warned against turning the monarchs into political adversaries simply because some of them may hold different political views.
“Political power is transient, but the traditional institution will outlive every administration,” the group said.
The group demanded that Makinde withdraw what it described as offensive remarks and apologise to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
It also urged traditional rulers across the state to remain focused on the welfare of their communities and resist any attempt to drag them into political intimidation.
Taking its criticism further, Democracy Watchers accused Makinde of seeking to deploy the influence of the Oyo government towards what it described as an unrealistic political project.
It warned that Oyo State should not be treated as the personal property of any politician.
“Atari Ajanaku ki í ṣe eru ọmọde. The elephant’s head is not a child’s burden. Political power is not personal property,” the group said.
It added that the people were watching developments and would ultimately decide the political future of the state.
The group’s warning comes as political calculations for 2027 gradually intensify, with politicians and political groups already positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle.
Democracy Watchers ended its statement with a warning that could resonate beyond the current controversy: political office is temporary, but the institutions and people left behind will remain.
“As the Yoruba say, the office will definitely outlive the officer,” it said.
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