Stay away from politics, Makinde tells Oyo monarchs

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has given traditional rulers a blunt choice ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections: stay above partisan politics or be treated as politicians.

Makinde issued the warning on Saturday at the newly commissioned palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola. The event marked the monarch’s first anniversary on the throne and included the conferment of the honorary chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland.

The governor said traditional rulers occupy a sensitive position and should serve as fathers to all political actors and residents, regardless of their affiliations. He urged them to concentrate on preserving peace, unity and development in their domains.

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If you want to play politics, then you should be ready to be treated as a politician. But if you want to remain a traditional ruler, then stay away from politics.

“If you want to play politics, then you should be ready to be treated as a politician. But if you want to remain a traditional ruler, then stay away from politics,” Makinde said.

He added that his administration respected the traditional institution and would continue supporting monarchs across Oyo State. That support, he said, should not be interpreted as an invitation for rulers to become partisan actors.

Makinde also called for election campaigns based on issues rather than character assassination or political blackmail. Candidates, he said, should present their programmes and agendas to voters. Traditional rulers, meanwhile, should continue promoting peaceful coexistence and initiatives that improve the welfare of their subjects.

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The traditional institution occupies a sensitive position in society and should not be dragged into partisan political contests.