Traditional Rulers Must Stay Above Partisan Politics – PDP Southwest Ex-Officio Backs Makinde

…Says monarchs should remain fathers to all, above political affiliations

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest Ex-officio, Dr. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has backed Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, over his position that traditional rulers who openly engage in partisan politics should be prepared to face political criticism like other political actors.

Ewenla, in a statement, said the governor’s position should not be interpreted as an attack on traditional rulers or the traditional institution, but rather as a call for monarchs to preserve the dignity, neutrality and sanctity of the throne.

He maintained that traditional rulers are expected to remain fathers to all political actors, irrespective of their political parties, ideologies or personal interests.

According to him, an Oba should be able to receive, accommodate and offer prayers for all political candidates without openly campaigning for one candidate or political party against another.

Ewenla said any traditional ruler who publicly declares support for a political party or candidate and actively participates in partisan activities would inevitably become part of the political contest.

He argued that such a monarch should not expect complete immunity from political criticism simply because he occupies a traditional throne.

He said: “You cannot simultaneously choose to behave like a politician and demand to be treated entirely outside politics.”

The PDP chieftain urged those criticising Governor Makinde over the issue to stop insulting him and instead advise traditional rulers to uphold the dignity and neutrality expected of their positions.

Ewenla described Makinde as a respected politician who understands and respects traditional institutions, adding that the governor has consistently demonstrated regard for kings and traditional authorities.

He stressed that political parties, candidates and governments would change over time, but traditional institutions must remain and continue to command respect across generations.

According to him, traditional rulers should welcome every candidate, accommodate every political party, pray for everyone and encourage peaceful elections, while maintaining a clear boundary between receiving politicians as fathers and actively participating in partisan politics.

Ewenla said his support for Makinde’s position was based on the need to protect the long-term relevance and dignity of the traditional institution.

He therefore called on traditional rulers to remain above partisan politics and continue to serve as fathers to all members of their communities.

Ewenla noted that any monarch who voluntarily chooses to become a public partisan political actor should understand that political criticism comes with such a decision.