Seyi Makinde: “I Will Abuse Any Traditional Ruler Who Interferes in Politics”

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers in the state against openly engaging in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde said monarchs who choose to enter partisan politics should be prepared to be treated as politicians rather than as neutral traditional rulers. He made the remarks on Saturday in Eruwa during the first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I.

“If You Want to Play Politics, Be Ready”

The governor stressed that traditional institutions occupy a sensitive position in society and should remain above partisan political contests.

According to Makinde, traditional rulers are expected to serve as fathers to everyone within their domains, irrespective of political affiliation. He warned that any monarch who chooses to openly participate in partisan politics should be prepared to lose the special treatment associated with the traditional institution.

“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 went further, using unusually blunt language to emphasize his position, saying traditional institutions that interfere in politics would face his criticism and insults.

Makinde Defends Neutrality of Traditional Institution

Makinde maintained that his administration had continued to respect and support traditional rulers across Oyo State, but said such support should not be interpreted as an invitation for monarchs to become partisan political actors.

He urged traditional rulers to concentrate on promoting peace, unity and development in their communities rather than taking sides in political contests. He also called for political campaigns to focus on issues and programmes instead of character assassination and political blackmail.

The warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians increasingly seeking the backing and influence of traditional rulers and community leaders.

Makinde’s Presidential Ambition

The governor’s comments also came against the backdrop of his own political ambitions. Reports from the event identified Makinde as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 election, with the governor saying he is prepared to travel across Nigeria to present his political message and seek support from voters.

The development adds a political dimension to his warning to monarchs, although Makinde’s stated position is that traditional rulers should remain accessible to politicians from all parties rather than openly endorsing particular candidates.

At the Eruwa event, the governor was also honoured with the traditional title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland, while his wife, Tamunominini Makinde, received the title of Yeye Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland.

Traditional Rulers Urged to Remain Fathers to All

Makinde’s position is that traditional rulers should act as unifying figures within their communities, particularly during an increasingly competitive election season.

He urged monarchs to welcome politicians from different parties and avoid allowing political divisions to damage the traditional institution or community relationships.

The governor’s remarks are likely to generate debate, particularly because traditional rulers remain influential figures in grassroots politics and community mobilisation across Nigeria.

As the 2027 election approaches, the question is whether Oyo’s traditional rulers will heed Makinde’s call for political neutrality—or whether some will openly align themselves with candidates and parties despite the governor’s warning.

OGM News NG will continue to monitor the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections and developments surrounding the role of traditional rulers in Nigerian politics.