Oyo State Governor, ’Seyi Makinde, has warned traditional rulers in the state against openly identifying with political parties or candidates, saying partisan involvement could expose monarchs to unnecessary political attacks.
Makinde gave the warning on Saturday, September 5, at the grand finale of the first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, where he was installed Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland alongside his wife, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, who was conferred with the title of Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀.
The ceremony also featured the commissioning of the newly renovated Eleruwa Palace.
The governor, who disclosed plans to intensify nationwide consultations ahead of his presidential ambition, urged traditional rulers to remain neutral and accessible to politicians across party lines.
According to him, monarchs should accommodate all political actors seeking their royal blessings rather than openly endorsing particular candidates or political parties.
Makinde expressed appreciation to the traditional council in Ibarapaland for the honour, describing the chieftaincy title as a call to greater responsibility.
He noted that it was the first chieftaincy title he had accepted in Oyo State and said it was particularly significant because Ibarapaland was where his political journey began.
On infrastructure development, the governor assured residents that the Ido–Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December, explaining that the project was part of his administration’s plan to improve connectivity among the state’s geopolitical zones.
He also disclosed that the payment of N14.5 billion counterpart funding to the African Development Bank (AfDB) would address the financial challenges surrounding the Eruwa Farm Settlement and facilitate the commencement of its first phase before the end of his tenure.
On the proposed upgrade of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, to a university, Makinde said Ibarapaland deserved a university campus, adding that the proposal would be considered based on its financial implications.
He said the state House of Assembly had already commenced legislative processes towards achieving the objective.
The governor further highlighted what he described as increased representation of Ibarapaland in his administration, citing the appointment of the first Head of Service from the zone, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina.
The Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, described the conferment of the chieftaincy titles on the governor and his wife as “epoch-making in the annals of Eruwa, Ibarapaland and Oyo State.”
The monarch said the titles were conferred in recognition of Makinde’s achievements and contributions to the development of the state, describing the governor and his wife as “foremost achievers, humanists, core professionals and excellent administrators.”
He also presented a list of developmental requests from Ibarapaland to the governor, expressing confidence that the administration would continue to respond positively to the needs of the people.
Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, commended Makinde for what he described as people-friendly policies and said the chieftaincy titles were well deserved.
In his goodwill message, Chief Ademola Eyinade (Elejire) thanked the governor for his interventions across Ibarapaland while appealing for more developmental projects in the zone.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who delivered the vote of thanks, described the Makinde administration as the best Ibarapaland had experienced since the return to democratic rule.
Ogundoyin commended ongoing projects, particularly the Ido–Eruwa Road and inner roads in Eruwa, saying the projects had strengthened confidence that communities across the state would not be left behind.
The event was attended by former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, 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. (Dr.) Anthony Adepoju, member representing Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency; 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, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina; APM governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, represented by his deputy, Engr. 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; lawmakers; local government chairmen; labour leaders; traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
