Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged traditional rulers across the state to remain neutral in political matters, stressing that they should serve as fathers to everyone regardless of political affiliation.
Makinde spoke on Saturday in Eruwa during the first coronation anniversary of Samuel Adegbola, the Eleruwa of Eruwa.
The governor was also honoured at the event with the chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland.
Makinde cautioned traditional institutions against taking sides in political disputes, saying monarchs should welcome politicians from different parties without discrimination.
“The traditional institutions should accept us all as their children,” he said.
“But any traditional institution that interferes in politics, we will insult them. If they can cross into politics, we will abuse them.”
On his presidential ambition, Makinde, who is the APM flagbearer for the 2027 election, said he was prepared to travel across the country to seek support for his aspiration.
He said his ambition to become president would extend beyond his home region, adding that he would engage Nigerians across different parts of the country with his plans for governance and national development.
“My presidential bid will require me to engage extensively with the people and present my vision for a better Nigeria to citizens in different parts of the country,” he said.
Makinde thanked the Eleruwa and the people of Ibarapaland for honouring him, describing the chieftaincy title as both a recognition of his contributions and a responsibility to do more.
He said the honour would strengthen his resolve to continue serving the people and contributing to the development of Nigeria.
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The Eleruwa explained that the title was conferred on Makinde in recognition of his administration’s achievements and development projects across Oyo State.
He also pledged the continued support of traditional rulers in Ibarapaland for the governor’s administration.
The monarch presented a list of development needs from the area to Makinde, expressing confidence that the government would continue to respond to the demands.
The requests included additional road construction and other infrastructure projects across Ibarapaland.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Debo Ogundoyin described Makinde’s administration as the best Ibarapaland had experienced since Nigeria returned to democratic rule.
Ogundoyin highlighted ongoing projects such as the Ido–Eruwa Road and various inner roads in Eruwa, saying the developments had renewed the people’s confidence that communities across the state would receive attention.
Traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials and other dignitaries attended the event.