Oyo State governor, ’Seyi Makinde, has cautioned traditional rulers across the state to steer clear of partisan politics to avoid being abused.
He stressed that traditional rulers who openly support political parties or candidates risk exposing themselves to avoidable political attacks.
Makinde Counseled Traditional Rulers On Politics
He gave the charge on Saturday at 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 event also featured the commissioning of the newly-renovated Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on the governor and his wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde.
The governor, who mentioned plans to intensify nationwide consultations for his presidential ambition, emphasised that traditional rulers must remain accessible to all political actors seeking royal blessings, rather than openly endorsing any candidate.
Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the traditional council in Ibarapaland for honouring him and his wife as Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland.
He described the titles as a call to greater responsibility and noted that it was the first chieftaincy title he had accepted in Oyo State, fittingly from Ibarapaland, where his political journey began.
Providing updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, Governor Makinde assured that the Ido–Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December.
He explained that the project aligned with his administration’s roadmap to connect all geo-political zones in the state.
On the Eruwa Farm Settlement, he disclosed that the payment of ₦14.5 billion counterpart funding to the African Development Bank (AfDB) would resolve existing financial constraints and ensure the commencement of the first phase of the project before the end of his tenure.
On the request to upgrade the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, to a university, Governor Makinde said Ibarapa deserved a university campus.
He added that the request would be evaluated based on its financial implications.
Governor Makinde also disclosed that the state House of Assembly has already begun legislative processes on the matter.
He highlighted improvements in representation and inclusivity, noting that Ibarapaland now occupied prominent positions in the state civil service, including the appointment of the first Head of Service from the zone, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina.
In his address, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, described the chieftaincy conferment as “epoch making in the annals of Eruwa, Ibarapaland and Oyo State.”
He said the titles were bestowed in recognition of Governor Makinde’s numerous achievements and giant strides.
He describing the governor and his wife as “foremost achievers, humanists, core professionals and excellent administrators.”
He also presented developmental requests from Ibarapaland to the governor, expressing confidence that the administration would continue to address them.
Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, in his welcome address, praised the governor for redefining governance through people-friendly policies and said the chieftaincy titles were well deserved.
In his goodwill message, Chief Ademola Eyinade (Elejire) also expressed gratitude and requested more developmental projects across Ibarapaland.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, described Governor Makinde’s administration as the best Ibarapaland has experienced since Nigeria’s return to democracy. He commended ongoing projects, including the Ido–Eruwa Road and inner roads in Eruwa, noting that they have renewed confidence that no community will be left behind.
The event was attended by a former deputy governor of the state, Hamid Gbadamosi; 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. (Dr.) Anthony Adepoju, member representing Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and his wife, Mrs. Olamidun Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima (represented by Hon. Justice O.M. Olagunju);
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina, mni; APM Gubernatorial Candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi (represented by his deputy, Mufutau Open Salawu); Chairman, Oyo State APM Apex Campaign Council, Dr. Nureni Adeniran;
Oyo State APM Chairman, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi; Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; commissioners; members of the Oyo State House of Assembly; local government chairmen; labour union leaders; traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
