Governor Seyi Makinde warns traditional rulers across the state against open support for political parties or candidates.
Speaking on Saturday during the first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, Makinde warned traditional rulers that those who openly endorse politicians risk exposing themselves to avoidable political attacks.
The event also featured the commissioning of the newly renovated Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on the governor and his wife, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde.
Makinde Warns Traditional Rulers To Remain Politically Neutral
Governor Makinde, who also spoke on plans to intensify nationwide consultations for his presidential ambition, emphasized that traditional rulers must remain accessible to all political actors seeking royal blessings rather than openly endorsing any candidate.
He 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.
Makinde Warns Traditional Rulers As Ido-Eruwa Road Set For December Commissioning
Providing updates on infrastructure, Governor Makinde assured that the Ido–Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December. He explained that the project aligns 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 N14.5 billion counterpart funding to the African Development Bank (AfDB) would resolve financial constraints and ensure the commencement of the first phase of the project before the end of his tenure.
Makinde Warns Traditional Rulers, Speaks On Ibarapa University Proposal
On the request to upgrade the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, to a university, Governor Makinde said that Ibarapa deserves a university campus. He added that the request would be evaluated based on its financial implications and that the House of Assembly had already begun legislative processes on the matter.
The governor highlighted improvements in representation, noting that Ibarapaland now occupies prominent positions in the state civil service, including the appointment of the first Head of Service from the zone, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina.
Makinde Warns Traditional Rulers As Eleruwa, Lawmakers Laud Achievements
In his address, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo 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.
Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, and Chief Ademola Eyinade (Elejire) also expressed gratitude and requested more developmental projects across Ibarapaland.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, 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.
