Oyo State Governor, ’Seyi Makinde, has cautioned traditional rulers across the state to remain politically neutral, stressing that monarchs who openly support political parties or candidates risk exposing themselves to avoidable political attacks.
Governor Makinde gave the charge on Saturday at the grand finale of the week long first coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, the Eleruwa of Eruwa.
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.
The governor, who mentioned 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.
Governor Makinde 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.
Providing updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, 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 existing financial constraints and ensure the commencement of the first phase of the project before the end of his tenure.
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, adding that the request would be evaluated based on its financial implications.
He added that the House of Assembly had already begun legislative processes on the matter.
The governor highlighted improvements in representation and inclusivity, 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.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; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, 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, mni; APM Gubernatorial 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; members of the Oyo State House of Assembly; local government chairmen; labour union leaders; traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
