Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged traditional rulers to remain apolitical and serve as fathers to all political office seekers, warning that any monarch who openly backs a political party or candidate risks being dragged into partisan conflict.
Governor Makinde gave the charge on Saturday at the commissioning of the reconstructed Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of the chieftaincy titles of Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé-Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland on himself and his wife, Engineer Tamunominini Makinde by the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, Oba Samuel Adegbola
Speaking at the event, the Governor said traditional rulers ought to accommodate every candidate who seeks royal blessings and support, and should not have favourites.
He also hinted that he would vigorously campaign for his presidential bid across the country.
While appreciating the Traditional Council in Eruwa and Ibarapaland for honouring him and his wife, Makinde described the titles as a recognition that comes with responsibilities.
“I thank Kabiyesi and the entire Ibarapaland for this honour. Titles like this come with responsibilities, and we will continue to serve the people to the best of our ability,” he said.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ibarapa-East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Owolabi, described the event as an appreciation of the succour the Makinde administration has brought to Ibarapaland.
He expressed the readiness of the people of the zone to ensure the continuity of the good works.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in his appreciation message, commended the inner roads project in Ibarapaland. He added that legislators remain committed to supporting both government and traditional institutions to drive development and improve the quality of life of residents.
Conferring the titles on the Governor and his wife in recognition of their service, achievements and giant strides, the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, Oba Samuel Adegbola, also presented developmental requests to the Governor.
These include the upgrade of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OSCATECH), Igboora, commence work on the Eruwa Farm Settlement in the area and the completion of the Ido- Eruwa road project
Oba Adegbola urged Makinde to attend to the requests before the expiration of his administration, with special emphasis on the renovation of the Eruwa Farm Settlement.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, government officials and residents of Ibarapaland.
