As the road to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections grows increasingly crowded, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy after a socio-political group, Democracy Watchers, accused him of intimidating traditional rulers over their political choices. The allegation followed Makinde’s recent warning that Oyo monarchs should stay away from partisan politics or risk being treated like politicians during political contests.
The controversy is particularly interesting because Makinde has already declared his intention to pursue the presidency in 2027. At the same time, the governor has urged traditional rulers to remain neutral and accessible to politicians from different parties. In the world of political satire, this has created an unusual situation: the palace is being advised to stay out of politics just as politics appears determined to knock on every palace door.
Group Says Oyo Palaces Are Not Political Battlefields
Democracy Watchers says traditional rulers should not be treated as political opponents simply because they express opinions or associate with political actors. The group described monarchs as custodians of institutions that predate elected governments and accused Makinde of using language that could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution.
The group’s position has added another layer to an already sensitive political conversation in Oyo. It has demanded that the governor withdraw what it considers offensive remarks and apologise to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Meanwhile, Oyo APC has also criticised Makinde, warning against what it described as threats toward traditional rulers and religious leaders.
2027 Politics Turns Royal as Makinde Eyes Presidency
Makinde’s warning came during the first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, where the governor and his wife were also honoured with chieftaincy titles. Makinde maintained that the traditional institution occupies a sensitive position and should remain above partisan political contests.
But with 2027 approaching, the political temperature is already rising. Makinde has said he plans to campaign across Nigeria for his presidential ambition, while his comments about monarchs have prompted critics to question whether royal neutrality can realistically survive an election season in which almost everyone—from politicians to traditional institutions—is expected to choose how loudly they speak. Even Donald J. Trump, the current president of the United States, would probably recognise the familiar political headache: once an election approaches, neutrality suddenly becomes a very expensive luxury.
For now, the palace-versus-politics debate remains firmly on the political radar. Whether Makinde’s comments were simply a warning against partisan activity or something critics can reasonably interpret as intimidation remains a matter of political argument. What is certain is that Oyo’s traditional institution has been pulled deeper into the 2027 conversation—and OGM News NG will be watching closely as the royal drama, political ambitions and accusations continue to unfold.
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