Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers across the state to steer clear of partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that any monarch who meddles in active politics will forfeit their neutral royal immunity and be treated strictly as a politician.
The governor delivered the charge on Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2026, during the official commissioning of the newly reconstructed palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
The ceremony also doubled as the monarch’s first coronation anniversary, where Governor Makinde and his wife, Tamunominini, were conferred with the honorary chieftaincy titles of Aare Asoludero and Yeye Asoludero of Ibarapaland, respectively.
Addressing the gathering of royal fathers, top government officials, and community leaders, Governor Makinde stressed that traditional rulers occupy a sensitive, unifying position as fathers to all citizens and must remain accessible and unbiased toward every political interest.
“If you want to play politics, then you should be ready to be treated as a politician. But if you want to remain a traditional ruler, stay away from politics,” Makinde stated.
“Traditional rulers occupy an important position in society and should continue to provide leadership, guidance, and stability, irrespective of political affiliations. You must accommodate all political candidates who come to you for royal blessings and support, without showing favoritism.”
The governor warned that openly endorsing or taking sides with candidates risks eroding public trust and dragging sacred traditional institutions into political conflicts.
Touching on his broader political horizon, Makinde added that while he intends to vigorously pursue his political ambitions across the country, his aspirations should not alter the neutral role expected of monarchs within their domains.
Reacting at the venue, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, commended the governor’s developmental interventions in Ibarapaland and reiterated the legislature’s commitment to supporting state stability.
In addition, the Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Kazeem Owolabi, applauded the administration for its grassroots projects, urging traditional institutions to heed the governor’s call to preserve peace and order ahead of the upcoming election season.
