Group condemns Makinde’s alleged threat against traditional rulers

A socio-political group, Democracy Watchers, has condemned Governor Seyi Makinde’s threat to abuse traditional rulers over 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.

“Charity, they say, begins at home. We do not expect anything different from a governor who, in our assessment, has shown greater consideration for political associates than elders. 

It noted that some of the governor’s associates had attacked monarchs with opposing views, describing the conduct as a dangerous abuse of political power and affront to the revered custodians of history, culture and communal values.

“Elders cannot be present while a young person goes astray. Traditional rulers are not political punching bags. They 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.

“Governor Makinde must also understand that traditional rulers are not his political appointees. They are fathers to all, including members of different political parties, and possess the constitutional rights enjoyed by every Nigerian, including freedom of expression and association.

“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.

The group reminded Makinde that traditional rulers supported his emergence in 2019 and 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.”

It challenged the governor to confront traditional rulers directly rather than using political associates and crybabies as surrogates, adding that his outburst at the weekend had shown the governor is the masquerade behind attacks on royal fathers by his associates.

“Let him speak directly, but he should remember: A patient elder will see what the young cannot,” the statement added.

The group called on Makinde to withdraw the offensive statement and apologize to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

“We urge all traditional rulers in Oyo State to remain courageous and committed to the welfare of their people. No threat from a temporary occupant of political office should diminish the dignity and enduring importance of our royal institutions.

“Like William Shakespeare said in Richard II. No amount of water in the rough rude sea that Makinde has turned the state into can wash the balm off from anointed kings; not even the breath of world men,” the statement said.

It also criticized the political activities of Makinde and his associates ahead of the 2027 elections, saying Oyo State cannot be the property of one individual.

“Atari Ajanaku ki í ṣe eru ọmọde. The elephant’s head is not a child’s burden. Political power is not personal property.

“Government cannot be run through stubbornness and coercion. The people are watching and preparing to choose,” it said.

The group further warned him on using the state’s resources to prosecute his phony presidential ambition that won’t go beyond his residential building, adding the nation’s presidential seat is too important for jokes.

“When the time comes, we will know who is making the garment and who is merely watching. A journey of eight years is coming to an end in May next year. Like the Yoruba say, the office will definitely outlive the officer,” the statement said.