Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has warned traditional rulers against interfering in partisan politics, saying he would not hesitate to respond to any monarch who gets involved in political affairs.

Makinde made the declaration on Saturday while addressing guests shortly after he was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland.

The ceremony, held at the newly commissioned palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.

Speaking after receiving the traditional honour, Makinde said his aspiration to lead Nigeria would not be limited to any particular region, stressing that he was prepared to take his message of good governance and development across the country.

Appearing to take a swipe at traditional rulers who get involved in partisan politics, the governor said they should remain neutral and serve as fathers to everyone in their communities.

“Traditional rulers should stay away from partisan politics and endeavour to be fathers to all. It is part of politics to compose music to insult and abuse each other.

“It is essential traditional rulers stay away from politics so they don’t receive insults,” Makinde said.

The Governor, who is running on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) amid the emerging political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, said he was prepared to traverse the length and breadth of Nigeria in pursuit of his political ambition.

His remarks come amid renewed attention on his relationship with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja.

Ladoja is reportedly backing Sharafadeen Ali, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, against Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM candidate backed by Makinde.

The reported political differences have also revived earlier claims about tensions between the governor and the monarch.

In April 2026, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose alleged that Makinde was plotting to remove Ladoja as Olubadan.

Fayose, in a post on X, said the alleged plan would become clearer with time.

“Those who are still in doubt, Governor Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events,” he wrote.

Fayose also alleged that counter-allegations against the monarch were part of an attempt to create justification for his removal.

However, the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan’s palace have repeatedly denied any such plot.

The controversy also coincided with rumours of an alleged plan to impeach Makinde.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, said he rejected an offer of monetary inducement to lead an impeachment process against the governor.

“I was offered monetary inducement, but I declined without hesitation because no amount of money can buy my conscience or compromise my loyalty to the Governor, the party, and the people we were elected to serve,” Ogundoyin said.

“I remain fully committed to upholding the integrity of this House and will not be part of any agenda aimed at destabilising the government,” he added.

The Olubadan, through his media aide, Adeola Oloko, also denied knowledge of any impeachment plan, describing attempts to link him to the alleged plot as baseless and misleading.

Former Oyo State First Lady Florence Ajimobi similarly denied involvement in any alleged move against Makinde.

A statement issued on her behalf said, “at no time did Ambassador Ajimobi convene, attend, or participate in any such meeting with any individual or group for the purpose of discussing impeachment or destabilizing the Oyo State Government.”