••• Advocates constitutional recognition for Monarchs ar Deji’s 10th Anniversary colloquium
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed concerns over the political impact of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as inconsequential and even beneficial to the party’s growth.
Makinde made the remarks in Akure, Ondo State, while speaking with journalists at the 10th anniversary of the coronation of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
“Politics is a game of interest,” the governor stated. “I don’t believe Atiku’s departure will leave any dent on the PDP. The party is an institution.
“It welcomes those who want to come and allows those who want to leave. Anyone who seeks to hold PDP down should quit—it’s better for the party.”
Makinde further downplayed the perceived threat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting the party poses no significant challenge to PDP’s dominance.
“I don’t see the ADC as a threat. Everyone is free to associate, especially when dissatisfied with the pace of governance. But at the end of the day, politicians will come and go—what matters is the stability of the state and the nation.”
During the colloquium themed “The Role of Nigeria’s Traditional Institutions in Nation Building: Impediments, Impacts, and Prospects”, Makinde advocated constitutional recognition for traditional rulers, citing the successes of his administration’s collaboration with traditional institutions in Oyo State.
“In Oyo, we have integrated traditional rulers into the State Security Council. They serve as first responders, provide intelligence, and advocate peace. We have also passed laws clarifying succession procedures, which has reduced litigation and communal unrest,” he explained.
The governor called for smarter collaborations between traditional leadership and modern governance, adding that such partnerships would boost accountability and stability.
In his remarks, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, emphasized the need for constitutional backing for traditional institutions to strengthen their role in national development.
Also speaking, Professor Adedayo Afe of Adekunle Ajasin University argued that succession laws should be enshrined in the national constitution to curb gubernatorial overreach. He also proposed the formal recognition of a Paramount Ruler system in Ondo State.
The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for constitutional accommodation of cultural heritage and conflict resolution capacity-building for traditional rulers.
