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Makinde Emerges as Kingmaker in Yorubaland With Series of Monarch Installations
IBADAN, Nigeria — Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is leaving a strong mark on Yorubaland’s history as one of the most influential governors of his time. In less than a decade, Makinde has overseen the appointments of some of the region’s most revered traditional rulers, including the Olubadan, the Soun of Ogbomoso, the Alaafin of Oyo and now a new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The developments have positioned Makinde not only as a political leader but also as a central figure in the preservation and renewal of Yoruba monarchy, a cultural pillar that stretches back centuries.
A governor in the spotlight
Makinde first drew attention when he supervised the installation of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland during his early years in office. His role underscored the constitutional responsibility of governors in ratifying and presenting traditional rulers in the state.
The governor later played a similar role in Ogbomoso, confirming the new Soun, another highly respected position in Yorubaland. The decision reinforced his influence across major Yoruba towns.
In 2024, following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who reigned for over 50 years, Makinde installed the new Alaafin of Oyo. That moment carried historical weight, as the Alaafin’s throne is one of the most prestigious in Yoruba culture, linked to the heritage of the old Oyo Empire.
Now, in 2025, Makinde is again in the headlines. He has confirmed Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan, making it the second time during his tenure that he has overseen the transition of Ibadan’s throne.
Power and symbolism
In Yoruba tradition, kingship is more than ceremonial. Obas serve as custodians of culture, tradition and spiritual guidance. The governor’s role in approving their appointments places him at a critical intersection between politics and tradition.
Observers say Makinde’s repeated involvement in the succession of multiple first-class monarchs is unprecedented in recent history. Many past governors had opportunities to confirm one or two rulers, but few have overseen as many major royal transitions in a single administration.
“This is remarkable. In one governorship, we have seen new Olubadan, new Soun and new Alaafin. It shows how much history is unfolding under Makinde,” said Dr. Fatai Adigun, a historian at the University of Ibadan.
Balancing tradition and governance
Makinde has often emphasized that his administration respects tradition while focusing on development. During the installation of the new Alaafin, he assured citizens that the government would continue to honor Yoruba institutions and partner with them for social progress.
“We see our traditional rulers as partners in governance,” Makinde said at the event. “They are symbols of unity and heritage, and their voices matter in building the future of our people.”
Supporters argue that his ability to manage sensitive royal transitions without major disputes speaks to his political strength and negotiation skills. Critics, however, warn that too much involvement of political leaders in traditional affairs can risk undermining the independence of royal institutions.
Wider impact on Yorubaland
The ripple effects of Makinde’s actions extend beyond Oyo State. Because Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo hold cultural weight across Yorubaland, the governor’s role in shaping leadership in these cities has indirectly influenced Yoruba identity across Nigeria and the diaspora.
For many Yoruba people, the stability of their monarchies represents continuity in a rapidly changing society. Analysts say Makinde’s involvement could strengthen his legacy as a bridge between the past and the future.
“Years from now, when people look back at Yoruba history, they will mention Gov. Seyi Makinde as a man who installed some of the most important kings of this era,” said cultural commentator Tunde Olaniyan.
As Makinde’s tenure continues, attention will remain on how he manages the delicate balance between governance and tradition. With multiple major successions already concluded, the governor’s name is now firmly tied to an era of transition in Yorubaland.
For Yoruba culture, the installations mark renewal. For Makinde, they mark power. His decisions will shape both how he is remembered in politics and how this chapter is recorded in the long history of Yoruba monarchy.
Popular Nigerian influencer VeryDarkMan and singer Seun Kuti have unfollowed each other on Instagram, a move that has sparked widespread speculation online.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The development comes amid VeryDarkMan’s ongoing legal dispute involving Blord, and has triggered rumours of a possible fallout between the two public figures.
Although the exact cause of their rift remains unclear, Seun Kuti fueled further reactions after posting a viral Instagram story on Wednesday, where he appeared to mock VeryDarkMan’s supporters, known as the “Ratel” community.
In the post, the singer wrote: “You are rats, not ratels. Why una dey disguise?”
The social media tension is coming just weeks after VeryDarkMan publicly supported Seun Kuti during his disagreement with Wizkid over alleged disrespect to the legacy of Fela Kuti.
Reports also indicate that VeryDarkMan, who had previously been seen as a close associate of Seun Kuti, recently visited Fela Kuti’s grave where he reportedly performed a ritual involving a ram.
The Ute Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State has suspended the burial of late Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu pending the outcome of an independent autopsy to determine the actual cause of his death.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dr Dunkwu, who served until March 7, 2026, as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has been at the centre of growing concerns within his community over the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The community dismissed reports suggesting that burial arrangements had already been concluded, describing them as false and misleading amid rising suspicions about how he died.
This position was contained in a joint statement issued by the Obi of Ute Okpu Kingdom, the Elders-in-Council, traditional chiefs, youth groups, the Uwizimas, and members of the Dunkwu family led by Chief Augustine Dunkwu.
Community leaders called on relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Health, and other government agencies, to urgently ensure an independent medical examination is carried out.
They emphasised that no burial date has been fixed, stressing that burial will remain on hold until a full autopsy is completed to establish the true cause of death.
According to the statement, the decision was based on cultural, legal, and emotional considerations, noting that the circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear and require proper investigation.
The community also argued that an autopsy is necessary to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future, insisting that any wrongdoing must not go unaddressed.
Citing traditional beliefs, they maintained that their customs do not permit the burial of any person whose death is surrounded by doubt, stating that truth must precede burial rites.
On legal grounds, the statement referenced standard procedures for sudden or unexplained deaths, calling for compliance with relevant coroner laws and medical protocols that require autopsy in such cases.
The community reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate fully with investigative authorities, stressing that it is not opposing burial but insisting on due process and clarity.
They further stated that once the autopsy is concluded and findings are released, a proper and dignified burial would be conducted.
The statement ended with a unified stance from all stakeholders in Ute Okpu Kingdom: “In the interest of justice, tradition, and the safety of our people, we stand united: No autopsy, no burial.”
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and JAS logistics supplier in Borno State and intercepted a quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) allegedly concealed in a tricycle.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Security analyst in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a post on X, noting that the arrest was made at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by personnel of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
According to him, the suspect was found transporting PMS hidden in 15 sacks, which were reportedly disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to avoid detection by security operatives.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fuel consignment was intended for delivery to Kanama town and nearby communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be under terrorist influence.
Makama further stated that items recovered from the suspect included a mobile phone and the sum of N34,950.
He added that the suspect and all recovered exhibits are currently in military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
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