Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Photo: Oyo State Government.
A socio-political group, Democracy Watchers, has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of using political power to intimidate traditional rulers who may not support his political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group alleged that Makinde’s recent statements, which appeared to seek to curtail partisan rhetoric by traditional rulers, coupled with attacks on monarchs by some of his political associates, represented a growing attempt to bring the traditional institution under political control.
According to the workings of the constitution, elected governors are the consenting authority to the appointment of traditional rulers.
Makinde, at the conferment of chieftaincy title on him by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, warned that traditional rulers who choose to engage in partisan politics should be prepared to face the criticism and ridicule associated with political contests.
