Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged traditional rulers across the state to steer clear of partisan politics, warning that openly supporting political parties or candidates could expose monarchs to unnecessary political attacks.
Makinde gave the warning on Saturday in Eruwa during the grand finale of the week-long first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I.
The ceremony also featured the commissioning of the newly renovated Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Makinde and his wife, Tamunominini Makinde.
The governor, who spoke about his plans to intensify nationwide consultations ahead of his presidential ambition, advised traditional rulers to remain accessible to politicians seeking their royal blessings irrespective of their political affiliations.
He said monarchs should avoid openly endorsing candidates, noting that doing so could make them vulnerable to political attacks.
Makinde expressed appreciation to the traditional council in Ibarapaland for honouring him and his wife with the titles of Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland.
Describing the honour as a call to greater responsibility, the governor said it was the first chieftaincy title he had accepted in Oyo State. He noted that it was particularly significant because Ibarapaland was where his political journey began.
The governor also announced that the Ido–Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December, saying the project formed part of his administration’s plan to improve connectivity among the various geopolitical zones of Oyo State.
Speaking on the Eruwa Farm Settlement, Makinde disclosed that the state’s payment of N14.5 billion counterpart funding to the African Development Bank would address the financial challenges affecting the project.
He said the development would pave the way for commencement of the first phase of the farm settlement before the end of his tenure.
On the demand to convert the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, into a university, Makinde said Ibarapaland deserved a university campus.
He, however, said the proposal would be assessed with consideration for its financial implications. According to him, the Oyo State House of Assembly had already commenced legislative processes concerning the request.
Makinde further highlighted what he described as improved representation of Ibarapaland in the state’s administration, citing the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina as the first Head of Service from the zone.
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 honours were conferred in recognition of what he described as Makinde’s numerous achievements and giant strides in governance.
He described Makinde and his wife as “foremost achievers, humanists, core professionals and excellent administrators,” while presenting a list of developmental requests from Ibarapaland to the governor.
Oba Olurin expressed confidence that the state government would continue to address the region’s needs.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Kazeem Arogundade, commended Makinde for what he described as people-friendly policies and a new approach to governance. He said the chieftaincy titles were well deserved.
A goodwill message was also delivered by Chief Ademola Eyinade (Elejire), who expressed appreciation to the governor while appealing for additional development projects across Ibarapaland.
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 Nigeria’s return to democracy.
Ogundoyin cited the ongoing Ido–Eruwa Road project and inner-road construction in Eruwa, saying the projects had strengthened confidence that communities across the state would not be left behind.
The event was attended by former Oyo State Deputy Governor, 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.
Others included Dr Anthony Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency; Ogundoyin and his wife, Mrs. Olamidun Ogundoyin; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice O.M. Olagunju; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina; and other government officials.
Also present were APM gubernatorial candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, represented by his deputy, Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu; Chairman of the Oyo State APM Apex Campaign Council, Dr. Nureni Adeniran; Oyo State APM Chairman, Adegbenro Fagbemi; Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen, Sikiru Sanda; commissioners; lawmakers; local government chairmen; labour union leaders; traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
