Makinde urges Oyo monarchs to stay out of partisan politics
Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent address to the traditional rulers of Oyo State has resurfaced a long‑standing tension between political actors and custodians of culture. While the governor framed his plea as a call for neutrality ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, the underlying dynamics raise several questions about the role of monarchs in a democratic Nigeria.
The factual backdrop
- Date of the address: 22 May 2024, at the Oyo State Traditional Council Summit.
- Key message: Traditional rulers should refrain from endorsing any political party or candidate until the 2027 elections.
- Rationale given: Avoid “political manipulation of cultural institutions” and preserve the integrity of the traditional hierarchy.
Why the governor is concerned
| Issue | Impact on governance | Potential risk if ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Patronage politics | Rulers become de‑facto power brokers, skewing resource allocation. | Entrenchment of clientelism; loss of public trust in both monarchy and state. |
| Electioneering | Monarchs can mobilise large voter blocs through communal influence. | Vote‑buying accusations; heightened post‑election violence. |
| Policy continuity | Neutral traditional institutions can act as stabilising anchors during transitions. | Policy flip‑flops if monarchs shift allegiance with each administration. |
The governor’s caution is not novel; similar warnings have been issued in Lagos (2019) and Kano (2022). What makes Oyo unique is the historical clout of the Alaafin of Oyo, whose edicts still carry weight in rural constituencies.
The political economy of traditional authority
- Revenue streams – Many monarchies receive state allocations, land rent, and ‘traditional levies’ from local traders. Aligning with a party can secure or jeopardise these income sources.
- Social capital – In a society where Japa syndrome pushes the youth abroad, the monarchy remains a tangible symbol of identity. Politicians tap into this sentiment to legitimize their platforms.
- Informal dispute resolution – Courts of the traditional rulers still mediate land and inheritance disputes. Partisanship could bias outcomes, undermining rule of law.
Understanding these levers explains why a governor would prefer a non‑partisan monarchy: it reduces the chance of the institution being weaponised for short‑term electoral gain.
Counter‑arguments from the monarchic perspective
- Mandate from the people – Traditional rulers argue that they are elected by custom and thus have a duty to voice community concerns, even if those concerns intersect with politics.
- Historical precedent – During the First Republic, several Obas openly supported the Action Group, citing shared development goals.
- Economic leverage – Some monarchs see political endorsement as a pragmatic way to attract investment for local projects (e.g., road upgrades, market refurbishments).
These points are not merely rhetorical; they reflect real incentives that can tilt a ruler’s stance toward partisanship.
What the data says about “neutral” monarchies
A 2021 study by the Centre for Governance and Development (CGD) examined 34 Nigerian states over two election cycles. The findings were telling:
- States with declared neutral monarchies (e.g., Enugu, Benue) recorded 12 % lower post‑election violence compared to states where rulers were openly partisan.
- Voter turnout in neutral‑monarchy states was on average 3 percentage points higher, suggesting that citizens felt less coerced.
- Public perception surveys indicated a 71 % confidence level in the fairness of the electoral process when traditional leaders stayed out of politics, versus 48 % when they were involved.
While correlation does not imply causation, the trend underscores a tangible benefit to political detachment.
Strategic recommendations for Oyo’s traditional council
- Formalise a non‑partisan charter – Draft a binding code of conduct, signed by the Alaafin and subordinate chiefs, that outlines permissible political activities.
- Create an independent liaison office – A neutral body that channels community grievances to the state government without partisan filtering.
- Diversify revenue – Encourage monarchies to develop income‑generating projects (e.g., cultural tourism, agro‑processing) that reduce dependence on state allocations.
- Capacity‑building workshops – Partner with institutions like the Nigerian Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) to train chiefs on democratic norms and fiscal transparency.
- Public communication strategy – Use local radio and community gatherings to reiterate the commitment to neutrality, thereby pre‑empting misinformation.
Implementing these steps would not only align with Governor Makinde’s directive but also future‑proof the institution against political co‑optation.
The broader implication for Nigeria’s democratic consolidation
If Oyo’s monarchs successfully adopt a neutral stance, the state could become a case study for balancing traditional authority with modern democratic practice. This could inspire:
- Policy replication in other states where monarchic influence is equally strong (e.g., Kwara, Osun).
- Legislative action at the National Assembly to codify the separation of traditional roles from partisan politics.
- International attention – Donor agencies often look for governance models that mitigate election‑related instability; Oyo’s approach could attract development funding.
Conversely, a failure to adhere could exacerbate the politicisation of culture that fuels electoral violence, voter intimidation, and economic uncertainty.
Bottom line
Governor Makinde’s admonition is more than a polite request; it is a strategic move to safeguard Oyo’s sociopolitical fabric ahead of a contested 2027 election. The monarchs stand at a crossroads: embrace neutrality and modernise their institutions, or continue the historic dance of patronage and risk marginalisation. For scholars, policymakers, and ordinary citizens, the outcome will offer valuable lessons on how Nigeria can harmonise its rich cultural heritage with the imperatives of a vibrant democracy.