Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged traditional rulers in the state to remain politically neutral, warning that open involvement in partisan politics could expose monarchs to unnecessary political attacks.
Makinde gave the advice on Saturday at the grand finale of the week-long first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I.
The occasion also featured the commissioning of the newly renovated Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of the chieftaincy titles of Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland on the governor and his wife, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde.
The governor said traditional rulers should remain accessible to politicians and political leaders across party lines who seek royal blessings, rather than openly identifying with particular political parties or candidates.
According to him, political neutrality would enable traditional institutions to retain their respect and relevance as custodians of their communities and culture.
Makinde expressed appreciation to the traditional council in Ibarapaland for honouring him and his wife, describing the titles as a call to greater responsibility.
He noted that the honour was the first chieftaincy title he had accepted in Oyo State, adding that it was significant that it came from Ibarapaland, which he described as the place where his political journey began.
Speaking on infrastructure development, the governor assured residents that the Ido–Eruwa Road would be commissioned in December.
He said the project formed part of his administration’s infrastructure development strategy aimed at improving connectivity across the various geopolitical zones of Oyo State.
On the proposed Eruwa Farm Settlement project, Makinde disclosed that the payment of N14.5 billion counterpart funding to the African Development Bank would address existing funding challenges and facilitate the commencement of the first phase of the project before the end of his administration.
The governor also responded to calls for the upgrade of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, to a university.
He said Ibarapaland deserved a university campus but added that the proposal would be considered in line with its financial implications, noting that the Oyo State House of Assembly had commenced legislative processes relating to the request.
Makinde further highlighted what he described as increased representation of Ibarapaland in the state civil service, citing the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina as the first Head of Service from the zone.
Earlier, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, described the conferment of the chieftaincy titles as an important moment in the history of Eruwa, Ibarapaland and Oyo State.
The monarch said the honours were bestowed in recognition of the governor’s contributions to the development of the state, while also presenting a number of developmental requests on behalf of Ibarapaland.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, commended the state government’s policies and programmes and described the chieftaincy titles as deserving honours.
Chief Ademola Eyinade, the Elejire, also called for additional developmental projects across Ibarapaland.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, acknowledged ongoing infrastructure projects in the area, including the Ido–Eruwa Road and some inner roads in Eruwa.
The event was attended by several political, traditional and government leaders, including former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; representatives of the Ooni of Ife; the member representing Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adepoju; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina; members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, labour leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
The governor and his wife were formally installed as the Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland during the ceremony.
