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A major political and traditional debate erupted in Oyo State on Sunday as Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotel & Sports Resort, Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Okanlomo Oodua, issued a strong response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s warning to traditional rulers against political partisanship, delivered a day earlier in Eruwa during the Governor’s installation as Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland.
In a comprehensive statement, Chief Dotun Sanusi defended the dignity and independence of the traditional institution, cautioning that the throne must not be reduced to “mere ceremonial decorations” or subjected to political threats, even as he acknowledged that monarchs must remain non-partisan.
The development has set the tone for what observers describe as an emerging conversation on the limits of political authority and the sacred role of traditional institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the grand finale of the first coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, where he and his wife, Her Excellency, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, were conferred with the titles of Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland, Governor Makinde issued a direct caution to monarchs.
“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,*” the Governor said.
He further warned that monarchs who openly endorse political parties or candidates risk exposing themselves and their stools to avoidable political attacks.
Governor Makinde, who also disclosed plans to intensify nationwide consultations ahead of his 2027 presidential ambition, used the occasion to announce that the Ido-Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December 2026 and that N14.5 billion counterpart funding had been paid to the African Development Bank to unlock the first phase of the Eruwa Farm Settlement.
He described the chieftaincy honour as “epoch-making” and a call to greater responsibility.
In his response released Sunday, September 6, 2026, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi said he took note of the Governor’s remarks and the video in circulation with utmost respect, but insisted that the relationship between government and traditional rulers must be guided by mutual dignity.
“Nigeria’s traditional institution deserves respect, not intimidation; engagement, not humiliation; partnership, not political threats,” Sanusi stated.
He argued that while no reasonable person would expect Obas to become partisan politicians, it would be wrong to demand their silence on matters affecting their people.
“Does neutrality mean silence in the face of suffering? Should an Oba close his eyes when insecurity consumes his communities? Should a king remain silent when his people cannot afford food? Should our royal fathers become mere ceremonial decorations, forbidden from expressing concern about the welfare of the very people whose ancestral heritage they are sworn to protect?” he asked.
Chief Dotun Sanusi drew a clear line between partisan politics and public responsibility, stressing that “an Oba may not campaign for a political party. But an Oba has a moral responsibility to defend his people.”
The Ilaji boss warned against language suggesting that a Governor could “disrespect” a king, describing such as a matter that must be treated with seriousness.
“Power is temporary. Office is temporary. Political authority is temporary. But institutions built upon centuries of history deserve humility and restraint from everyone privileged to occupy public office,” he said.
Sanusi submitted that the relationship between government and traditional rulers “must never become a relationship of master and servant,” noting that both the Governor and the Oba have different but complementary constitutional and cultural roles.
“The strength of a democratic leader is not demonstrated by threatening institutions. It is demonstrated by possessing the emotional intelligence to accommodate criticism, divergent opinions and independent voices,” he added.
He cautioned against redefining “neutrality” as “submission,” and reminded political leaders that they cannot seek royal blessings and legitimacy during campaigns only to demand silence when “inconvenient questions arise.”
Chief Dotun Sanusi was emphatic that his intervention was not a personal attack on Governor Makinde, but a defence of institutional principle.
“This is not an attack on Governor Seyi Makinde. It is a defence of principle. Tomorrow, another Governor will occupy Agodi Government House. Tomorrow, another political party will be in power. But the traditional institution will remain,” he stated.
He concluded with a call for balance: “Let there be mutual respect. Let there be constitutional boundaries. Let there be political neutrality. But above all, let there be dignity. Because a society that humiliates its elders, weakens its institutions and silences every independent voice is ultimately preparing the ground for the humiliation of democracy itself.”
While Governor Makinde used the platform to consolidate his footprint in Ibarapaland with infrastructure promises, Chief Sanusi’s intervention has placed the role of traditional rulers and the boundaries of political power firmly on the public agenda.
As Oyo State navigates this conversation, stakeholders will be watching to see how government and the traditional institution maintain the balance between respect, neutrality, and the moral duty to speak for the people.
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