Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that he will traverse the country to seek the support of Nigerians for his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde made the declaration on Saturday shortly after he was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland at the newly commissioned palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oyo State.

The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials and other dignitaries from across the state.

Speaking after receiving the traditional honour, Makinde said his aspiration to become president would not be restricted to any particular region, stressing that he was prepared to take his message and vision to Nigerians across the country.

He said the presidential ambition would require extensive engagement with citizens, adding that he was ready to travel across the country to present his ideas and seek their support.

Makinde, who is seeking the presidency on the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) amid the emerging political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, said he was prepared to traverse the length and breadth of Nigeria in pursuit of his ambition.

He expressed appreciation to the Eleruwa and the people of Ibarapaland for the chieftaincy title, describing the honour as one that came with greater responsibility.

The governor said the recognition would further strengthen his commitment to service, unity and development.

He also appreciated traditional rulers in the state for their support and prayers, urging them to remain committed to their traditional roles and avoid partisan politics.

Makinde appealed to monarchs to accommodate politicians from different political parties without bias, stressing that the traditional institution should remain neutral.

He warned that any traditional ruler who actively interfered in partisan politics should be regarded as a politician.

The governor said: “Any monarch who interferes in politics or political matters will be treated as a politician.”

The ceremony also featured the commissioning of the newly completed palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, providing the setting for the conferment of the traditional title on the governor.

The Aare Asoludero title, conferred on Makinde by the Eleruwa and the people of Ibarapaland, was presented as an honour in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state and his relationship with the traditional institution.