Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has warned traditional rulers against partisan politics, saying monarchs who openly interfere in political affairs should expect to be treated as politicians.
Makinde spoke on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during the first coronation anniversary of Oba Samuel Adegbola, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, where he also commissioned the reconstructed Eleruwa Palace.
Makinde Warns Traditional Rulers
The governor said traditional institutions should remain neutral and regard politicians and residents from different political parties as their children.
Makinde warned that monarchs who cross into partisan politics could lose the respect associated with their traditional positions.
“The traditional institutions should accept us all as their children. But any traditional institution that interferes in politics, we will insult them. If they can cross into politics, we will abuse them,” he said.
He added that traditional rulers who choose to participate openly in partisan politics should be prepared to be treated as politicians.
Governor Links Warning to 2027 Politics
Makinde’s comments come ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations across the country.
The governor, who is the presidential flagbearer of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), also spoke about his national ambition, saying he was prepared to travel across Nigeria to seek support and present his vision to voters.
He maintained that his administration would continue to respect and support traditional rulers but said such support should not be interpreted as approval for partisan political activities.
Monarchs Urged to Maintain Neutrality
Makinde urged traditional rulers to concentrate on maintaining peace, unity and development in their communities.
He said monarchs should remain accessible to politicians from different political camps seeking royal blessings but should avoid openly endorsing political parties or candidates.
At the Eruwa ceremony, Makinde and his wife, Tamunominini, were also conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland and Yeye Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland, respectively.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials and other dignitaries, while the governor’s warning generated reactions on social media, with some questioning how the position would apply if traditional rulers later support his own political campaign.
