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Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday cautioned traditional rulers in the state against political partisanship, warning that monarchs who openly endorse political parties or candidates risk exposing themselves and their stools to avoidable political attacks.
Governor Makinde gave the charge during the grand finale of the week-long first coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I, the Eleruwa of Eruwa. The ceremony, held at Eruwa, also featured the commissioning of the newly renovated Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on the Governor and his wife, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde.
Addressing a gathering of monarchs, government officials and political stakeholders, the Governor stressed that the traditional institution must remain the common heritage of all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
“As custodians of our culture and tradition, Kabiyesis must remain accessible to every political actor seeking royal blessings. Open endorsement of any candidate or party exposes the throne to unnecessary political controversy,” Makinde said.
He noted that he would soon intensify nationwide consultations ahead of his presidential ambition in 2027, but reiterated that traditional rulers must not be drawn into partisan politics.
At the event, Governor Makinde and his wife were conferred with the prestigious titles of Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland by the Ibarapa Traditional Council.
Describing the honour as “epoch-making”, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the Eleruwa and the people of Ibarapaland, noting that it was the first chieftaincy title he had accepted in Oyo State.
“This recognition from Ibarapaland, where my political journey began, is a call to greater responsibility. It will further strengthen my commitment to the development of this zone and Oyo State at large,” he stated.
Providing updates on key projects, Governor Makinde assured residents that the Ido–Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December 2026. He said the road is central to his administration’s roadmap of connecting all geo-political zones of the state for economic growth and integration.
On the Eruwa Farm Settlement, the Governor disclosed that the payment of N14.5 billion counterpart funding to the African Development Bank (AfDB) would clear existing financial bottlenecks and ensure the commencement of the first phase of the project before the end of his tenure.
Responding to the request for the upgrade of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora to a full-fledged university, Makinde said Ibarapaland deserves a university campus. He added that the request is already before the Oyo State House of Assembly and would be evaluated based on its financial implications.
The Governor also highlighted improved representation for Ibarapaland in his administration, citing the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina as the first Head of Service from the zone, alongside other prominent positions now occupied by sons and daughters of Ibarapa in the state civil service.
In his address, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, described the conferment as historic and a recognition of Governor Makinde’s giant strides in infrastructure, human capital development and good governance. He presented additional developmental requests from Ibarapaland to the Governor.
Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, Chairman of Ibarapa East LGA, praised the Governor’s people-oriented policies, while Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, described the Makinde administration as “the best Ibarapaland has experienced since 1999.” He commended ongoing projects including the Ido–Eruwa Road and inner roads in Eruwa.
The event drew a galaxy of dignitaries including former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adepoju; SSG Prof. Musibau Babatunde; APM Gubernatorial Candidate Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi (represented); Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; commissioners, lawmakers, labour leaders and traditional rulers from across the state.
With the conferment and renewed promises, the Makinde administration appears set to consolidate its development footprint in Ibarapaland as political activities towards 2027 gather momentum.
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