Makinde Accused of Intimidating Oyo Monarchs Ahead of 2027

Democracy Watchers, a socio-political group, has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of using his political power to intimidate traditional rulers who may not support his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. The group alleged that Makinde's recent comments, which aimed to limit partisan rhetoric from traditional rulers, along with attacks on monarchs by his political associates, indicated a growing effort to exert political control over the traditional institution.

During a chieftaincy title conferment by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, Makinde warned traditional rulers engaging in partisan politics to expect criticism. In response, Democracy Watchers, through its Publicity Secretary Olumide Yusuf, stated that traditional rulers are not political appointees and should not be treated as such.

The group expressed concern over Makinde's alleged intimidation tactics, emphasizing that traditional rulers had previously supported his governorship in 2019 and re-election in 2023, and warned against turning them into political enemies.