Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has cautioned traditional rulers across the state against openly identifying with political parties or candidates, warning that such involvement could expose them to unnecessary political attacks.
Makinde gave the warning on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the grand finale of the week-long first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I.
The event, held in Eruwa, also featured the commissioning of the newly renovated Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Governor Makinde and his wife, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde.
The governor urged traditional rulers to remain politically neutral and accessible to all political actors seeking their royal blessings, rather than openly endorsing particular candidates or political parties.
Eleruwa of Eruwaland, Oba Samuel Adegbola, Governor Seyi Makinde, Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, and Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Adeniyi
He said traditional rulers who become partisan could become targets of political attacks, stressing that monarchs should preserve their positions as fathers to all.
Makinde, who has indicated plans to intensify nationwide consultations over his presidential ambition, also expressed appreciation to the traditional council in Ibarapaland for conferring on him the title of Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland, while his wife was honoured as Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀.
The governor described the honour as a call to greater responsibility, noting that it was the first chieftaincy title he had accepted in Oyo State.
According to him, it was particularly significant that the honour came from Ibarapaland, where his political journey began.
Giving updates on infrastructure development, Makinde assured the people of Ibarapaland that the Ido–Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December.
He explained that the project was part of his administration’s roadmap to improve connectivity among the various geopolitical zones of Oyo State.
On the Eruwa Farm Settlement, the governor disclosed that his administration was working to resolve the financial challenges affecting the project through the payment of N14.5 billion in counterpart funding to the African Development Bank (AfDB).
He said the payment would pave the way for the commencement of the first phase of the project before the end of his tenure.
Makinde also addressed the demand for the upgrading of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, to a university.
He said Ibarapaland deserved a university campus, adding that the proposal would be considered based on its financial implications. He further disclosed that the Oyo State House of Assembly had already commenced legislative processes toward the proposed upgrade.
The governor also highlighted what he described as increased representation and inclusivity of Ibarapaland in the state government, noting that the zone had produced the first Head of Service from the area, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina.
Speaking at the event, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, described the conferment of the chieftaincy titles on Governor Makinde and his wife as an “epoch-making” development in the history of Eruwa, Ibarapaland and Oyo State.
The monarch said the honours were in recognition of the governor’s achievements and contributions to the development of the state, describing Makinde and his wife as “foremost achievers, humanists, core professionals and excellent administrators.”
The Eleruwa also presented a list of developmental requests from Ibarapaland to the governor, expressing confidence that the administration would continue to respond to the needs of the people.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, commended Makinde for what he described as people-oriented policies and praised the conferment of the chieftaincy titles.
Similarly, Chief Ademola Eyinade, the Elejire, expressed appreciation to the governor while appealing for additional developmental projects across Ibarapaland.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in his vote of thanks, described the Makinde administration as the best Ibarapaland had experienced since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
Ogundoyin commended the ongoing Ido–Eruwa Road project and the construction of inner roads in Eruwa, saying the projects had renewed confidence that communities across the state would not be left behind.
The event was attended by former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, represented by the Onifegunwa of Ifegunwa, Oba Solomon Adewole Adedire and his wife, Queen Adejoke Adedire; Hon. Anthony Adepoju, member representing Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency; members of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon. Justice O.M. Olagunju; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina, commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, labour leaders and other dignitaries.
