Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A socio-political organisation, Democracy Watchers, has issued a scathing condemnation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his alleged threat to abuse traditional rulers who engage in partisan politics, describing the statement as disrespectful to Yorubaland's revered traditional institution and utterly unwarranted. The group, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olumide Yusuf, said Makinde's threat and rude language reflected the governor's disregard for elders and traditional authorities, questioning whether the office of governor was a license to insult people old enough to be his parents.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Governor Makinde on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during the commissioning of the reconstructed palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, where he and his wife were conferred with chieftaincy titles. Addressing the gathering, Makinde cautioned traditional rulers against partisan politics, warning that monarchs who openly support political parties or candidates risk exposing themselves to avoidable political attacks. According to reports, the governor warned that traditional rulers who choose to openly participate in partisan politics should be prepared to be treated as politicians rather than being treated solely as traditional rulers. "If you want to play politics, then you should be ready to be treated as a politician. But if you want to remain a traditional ruler, then stay away from politics," Makinde was quoted as saying.
However, Democracy Watchers interpreted the governor's remarks as a direct threat to abuse and disrespect traditional rulers, describing the statement as a dangerous abuse of political power and an affront to the revered custodians of history, culture and communal values. The group argued that traditional rulers are not political punching bags and represent institutions older than elective offices. "No governor possesses the moral authority to threaten or insult them. A responsible leader should demonstrate respect for traditional institutions rather than resort to intimidation and abusive language," the statement read.
The group further reminded Governor Makinde that traditional rulers had supported his political emergence in 2019 and his re-election in 2023, urging him not to treat them as enemies for exercising their rights. According to the statement, political power is transient, but the traditional institution will outlive every administration. Democracy Watchers also alleged that some associates of the governor had attacked traditional rulers who held views different from those of the administration, describing such conduct as an abuse of political influence and a threat to an institution central to the preservation of Yoruba history, culture and communal values.
The group accused Makinde of displaying growing intolerance and desperation ahead of the 2027 general election. "The governor's outburst betrays growing intolerance and desperation ahead of the 2027 general election. It is particularly troubling that a governor seeking a higher national office would publicly threaten royal fathers merely because they may not support his wishful thinking," the statement said. Democracy Watchers demanded that Makinde withdraw what it described as an offensive statement and apologise to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The group also urged traditional rulers in Oyo State to remain courageous and committed to the welfare of their people, stressing that no threat from a temporary occupant of political office should diminish the dignity and enduring importance of royal institutions.
The group further criticised Makinde's political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that Oyo State should not be treated as the personal property of any politician. "Political power is not personal property. Government cannot be run through stubbornness and coercion. The people are watching and preparing to choose," the statement said. It also warned against the alleged use of state resources to advance Makinde's reported presidential ambitions, insisting that the presidency should not be reduced to a political joke.
The condemnation comes amid escalating political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Governor Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, intensifying nationwide consultations for his presidential ambition. While Makinde has maintained that his political aspiration should not alter the expected neutrality of traditional rulers, his warning to monarchs has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups concerned about the erosion of respect for traditional institutions. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the clash between political ambition and traditional authority in Oyo State serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained between the pursuit of power and the preservation of cultural heritage.
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