Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has warned traditional rulers in the state against getting involved in partisan politics, saying monarchs who choose to participate in political activities should be prepared to face public criticism.
Makinde gave the warning while stressing the need for traditional institutions to preserve their neutrality and remain fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliation.
The governor said traditional rulers occupy a sensitive position in society and should therefore avoid actions that could create divisions among their subjects or make the palace appear to be supporting one political party against another.
“Any traditional institution that gets involved in politics, we will abuse them. Traditional institutions should accept all of us as their children. Any traditional ruler who interferes in politics will be equally insulted,” Makinde said.
The statement is coming amid renewed debate over the political activities of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who was a former governor of Oyo State and has recently made comments on political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ladoja had, in May, said politicians were free to use his name in their campaigns, but maintained that it would ultimately be the electorate who would determine who governs Oyo State. More recently, controversy has surrounded the monarch’s public engagements and comments perceived by some political actors as having political implications.
Makinde’s latest comments therefore appear to reinforce his earlier position that traditional institutions should remain above partisan politics. In April, Ibadan elders similarly urged the Olubadan to stay away from partisan politics and maintain the position of a father to politicians across party lines.
The governor’s position is also significant against the backdrop of the increasingly visible political contest ahead of the 2027 elections, with traditional institutions expected to play their historic roles of promoting peace, unity and stability rather than becoming aligned with competing political interests.
Makinde stressed that traditional rulers should embrace everyone within their domains as their children, regardless of whether they belong to the ruling party or opposition. His remarks are likely to generate fresh discussion about the appropriate boundaries between traditional authority and partisan politics in Oyo State.