Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers in the State to choose to remain apolitical by ensuring that the throne they occupy remain neutral or be prepared to be rubbished by politicians.
Governor Makinde, who gave the warning in Eruwa during the first coronation anniversary of Samuel Adegbola, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, said that traditional rulers should be father to all.
Makinde, who is also the 2027 Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), specifically stressed the need for traditional rulers to steer clear of politics, but should embrace all political actors without bias if they want to maintain the respect accorded to traditional institutions.
The Governor further said; “The traditional institutions should accept us all as their children. Any traditional ruler that interferes in politics, we will be forced to insult him. If they can cross into politics, we will abuse them”.
Speaking on his 2027 presidential bid on the platform of the APM, Makinde said he was prepared to traverse the length and breadth of the country in pursuit of his ambition and in seeking the support of Nigerians.
Makinde stated that his aspiration to lead Nigeria would not be confined to any particular region, emphasizing that he was prepared to take his message of good governance and development to Nigerians across the country.
In the words of Makinde; “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”.
Governor Makinde, who was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland at the event, expressed appreciation to the Eleruwa and the people of Ibarapaland for the honour, saying that it as a recognition that came with responsibility.
The Governor also said the honour would further strengthen his commitment to serving the people and contributing to the development of the country.
While conferring the title on the Governor, the Eleruwa explained that the honour bestowed on Makinde was in recognition and appreciation of his numerous achievements and giant strides recorded across the State.
The Eleruwa pledged on behalf of all the traditional rulers in Ibarapaland of continuous support of the Makinde’s administration.
The royal father presented developmental requests that included construction of roads and other infrastructural development from Ibarapaland to Governor Makinde and expressed confidence that the administration would address them.
Speaking in turn at the event, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Hon Debo Ogundoyin, described Makinde’s administration as the best Ibarapaland has experienced since Nigeria’s return to democracy.
The event attracted presence of traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, and other dignitaries from within the State.
