From Alaafin to Olubadan: Why Every Crown in Oyo Now Passes Through Makinde’s Hands
Makinde’s Royal Influence: How Seyi Makinde Is Reshaping Traditions—and 2027’s Political Landscape in Oyo State
Nigeria’s political theatre is being subtly rewritten in Oyo State, and many of the moves suggest that Governor Seyi Makinde is at the center of it. From the unusually high number of first-class monarchs passing away during his administration to the flood of political billboards in Ibadan, signs point to the Governor not only as a steward of culture, but perhaps as a kingmaker geared toward 2027.
Here’s a deep dive into what’s happening, what we know from recent verified sources, and how this all might play into the coming political season.
Recent Monarchial Losses in Oyo State under Makinde
Since Makinde took office, Oyo State has witnessed several deaths among first-class traditional rulers. These aren’t just symbolic losses—they carry weight in local power structures, community loyalties, and political leverage.
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, reigned for 51 years and died on 22 April 2022. His death was a major moment for the Oyo kingdom.
Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, died on 2 January 2022.
Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, died in December 2021.
More recently, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away on 7 July 2025, having been coronated only in July 2024.
These deaths among first-class monarchs (among “the top tier” in the traditional order) represent non-trivial shifts in local power and cultural continuity—for families, for kingmakers, and for how governance and influence are shaped in the state.
Governor Makinde’s Use of Staff / Instrument of Office: Assertion of Authority
What stands out is how Governor Makinde has been prolific in presenting staffs of office and instruments of office to newly appointed or newly-confirmed monarchs across Oyo. Such rites are more than ceremonial: they confirm legitimacy in the eyes of both the people and the government, and often mark which traditional institutions are aligned (or in relationship) with the government in power.
Some recent examples:
Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade was officially given staff of office in January 2025 after his selection as Alaafin of Oyo.
Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, had staff of office presented by Makinde in December 2023.
The Alawe of Aawe, Oba Cornelius Taiwo Oladokun, received his instrument of office in July 2024.
Makinde also presented to the new Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi, in early 2024.
These actions indicate two things: one, a reinforcement of the authority of the state over traditional institutions; two, a preferential hand in legitimizing certain monarchs, which could have downstream implications for political support, networks, and influence.
Political Signaling, Billboards, and the Olubadan Designate
While monarchs pass and new ones are installed, another political phenomenon is happening in Ibadan—and it’s visible almost everywhere: billboards.
Political “big wigs,” people with aspirations to succeed the governorship in 2027, are reportedly placing large, visible billboards throughout Ibadan. Many of these are widely believed to be meant to appeal to or win the favor of the Olubadan Designate (i.e. whoever is next in line for the Olubadan stool). Even though the designate position is still in the news (especially after the death of Olubadan Olakulehin), these billboards suggest that:
Political players recognize the influence of traditional rulers in local politics.
They believe that currying favor with monarchs—or securing their implicit support—could be a factor in mobilizing grassroots support.
With the number of recent deaths, the appointment of new first-class monarchs offers a moment for reshaping loyalties, influence, and political networks.
Oba Rashidi Ladoja: Kingmakers Within Kingmakers
Oba Rashidi Ladoja is a unique figure in this story. He is the only former Governor of Oyo State to become a king himself. He has had a history of influence in determining who becomes governor—he played roles in both the elections of Governors Ajimobi and Makinde. His standing as a king positions him as someone who bridges traditional power and formal political power; hence his influence is especially impactful in any negotiation between traditional authority and modern electoral politics.
Why All This Might Give Makinde the Edge for 2027
Putting together the pieces above, a clearer picture emerges: Governor Makinde isn’t merely managing traditional institutions; he is actively involved in shaping them, sometimes symbolically, sometimes practically, in ways that can influence political outcomes.
Here are some strategic advantages:
1. Control of Legitimacy
By approving monarchs and presenting staff of office, Makinde is in control of who is officially recognized. That legitimacy can translate into local support; people often rally around traditional rulers who are seen to have the government’s backing.
2. Community Loyalty and Elite Alignment
New monarchs tend to build or reinforce networks of loyalty—to families, elites, local politicians. If Makinde’s appointments are viewed favorably, he builds goodwill within those networks.
3. Political Branding
Visibility via coronations, presentation ceremonies, public events, condolences, and oversight amplifies Governor Makinde’s brand—not just as a governor, but as a leader connected with culture, continuity, respect for tradition. In the Yoruba context, that counts.
4. Power Vacuum and Opportunity
With more than ten first-class kings having died during or around his tenure, there are multiple vacancies, transitions, or potential contests. That means stakes are high. Whoever manages these transitions well could gain enhanced influence.
5. Visibility of Rivals’ Positioning
The billboards signal that others know these transitions matter. If Makinde has already shaped many of the key monarchic appointments, his rivals may be playing catch-up rather than setting the agenda.
Caveats and Open Questions
To be fair, several uncertainties remain:
How much influence do monarchs really have in determining voting behavior vs. being symbolic?
To what degree do communities accept or resist government-approved monarchs, especially when there are competing royal family claims, legal challenges, or perceptions of exclusion?
Could too much perceived state interference backfire with accusations of politicizing traditional institutions?
Will rival political figures co-opt traditional institutions in different or parallel ways?
Governor Seyi Makinde’s record of presenting staff and instrument of office to multiple monarchs, combined with the frequency of first-class monarchs’ passings during his tenure, and visible political maneuvers (billboards, endorsements) all point to a strategy that intertwines traditional authority with political leverage.
If current trends continue, Makinde is positioning himself as a major arbiter in who wields traditional legitimacy in Oyo State. That gives him not only cultural capital but potentially durable political advantage going into 2027.
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