RismadarVoice Reporters
September 6, 2026
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged traditional rulers across the state to remain neutral in political matters, stressing that monarchs should serve as fathers to all residents irrespective of their political affiliations.
Makinde made the call on Saturday in Eruwa during the first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.
The governor, who was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland at the ceremony, advised traditional rulers to avoid active participation in partisan politics.
He said monarchs should accommodate politicians from different parties without discrimination, warning that any traditional ruler who chooses to engage in partisan politics should be regarded as a politician.
Makinde, who is the 2027 presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), said his presidential ambition would take him across the country as he seeks to present his vision and solicit the support of Nigerians.
According to him, his campaign would not be restricted to any particular region, as he intends to engage citizens across the country on issues of governance and development.
“My presidential bid will require me to engage extensively with the people and present my vision for a better Nigeria to citizens in different parts of the country,” he said.
The governor thanked the Eleruwa and people of Ibarapaland for the honour, describing the conferment of the title as both a recognition of his efforts and a responsibility to do more.
He pledged that the honour would further strengthen his resolve to contribute to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Oba Adegbola said Makinde was honoured in recognition of what he described as the governor’s achievements and development initiatives across Oyo State.
The monarch, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in Ibarapaland, pledged their continued support for the Makinde administration.
He also presented a list of the region’s developmental needs, including requests for additional road construction and other infrastructure projects.
Oba Adegbola expressed confidence that the state government would continue to respond to the needs of communities in Ibarapaland.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, described Makinde’s administration as the most impactful government Ibarapaland had experienced since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
Ogundoyin highlighted ongoing projects in the area, including the Ido–Eruwa Road and various inner-road projects in Eruwa.
He said the projects had boosted residents’ confidence in the government’s commitment to ensuring that communities across the state benefit from its development programmes.
The ceremony also featured the inauguration of the newly completed palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa.
Traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials and other dignitaries attended the event.
