Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that the objectives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding the 2027 presidential election are aligned, to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Makinde made the assertion in Akure during a colloquium held to commemorate the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, Odundun II.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, he emphasized that while individuals are free to belong to any political party of their choice, the interest of Nigeria must remain paramount.
According to the governor, the PDP remains unshaken despite political realignments and cannot be threatened by any party.
“Anyone who wants to hold the PDP down is free to leave,” he stated, reinforcing his belief in the party’s institutional strength and resilience,” Makinde said.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, Governor Makinde also called for a stronger role for traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance system. He said traditional rulers are essential to nation-building due to the trust they command at the grassroots level and their historical roles in community security, dispute resolution, and cultural preservation.
He urged for a recalibration of their relevance through legal reforms that would provide clarity on their roles, rights, and responsibilities. He also advocated strengthening community policing through traditional structures and elevating cultural diplomacy and tourism, with traditional rulers playing key roles.
“Traditional institutions are not relics of the past. They are enduring pillars of identity, legitimacy, and communal cohesion,” Makinde noted, adding that ignoring them in the nation-building process is a dangerous oversight.
He detailed how Oyo State has successfully integrated traditional institutions into its governance architecture, especially in security and conflict resolution. According to him, royal fathers in the state are part of the State Security Council and play active roles in intelligence gathering and maintaining peace.
“We passed laws to remove ambiguity around succession and throne ascension. The outcome? Fewer legal battles, reduced communal tension, and enhanced legitimacy for our royal fathers,” the governor said.
Makinde also pointed out that his administration ensures non-interference in traditional matters, allowing traditional councils to manage their own affairs with dignity and autonomy. He acknowledged, however, that challenges persist, such as jurisdictional conflicts and political manipulation of chieftaincy titles, calling for national reforms to address them.
He cited the success of the Amotekun Corps as a case study of how community policing initiatives can thrive with the support of traditional rulers, adding that such partnerships also foster community ownership of development projects and tourism promotion.
“In a country as richly diverse as Nigeria, we do not need fewer institutions. We need stronger, smarter partnerships — between the old and the new, between the traditional throne and the modern office,” Makinde concluded.
The event was graced by dignitaries including representatives of the Vice President and the Governor of Ondo State.