Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited Oyo town for the presidential and governorship campaign flag-off of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, but did not pay a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.
The governor was in the ancient town for the campaign event held at Durbar Stadium, where the APM formally flagged off its campaign ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
However, his visit did not include an appearance at the Alaafin’s palace, amid reports of strained relations between Makinde and the traditional ruler.
The absence of a palace visit has drawn attention against the backdrop of the reported disagreement between the governor and the monarch, although neither the governor nor the palace was quoted as officially confirming a fresh confrontation over Saturday’s visit.
A palace source, who spoke on the development, suggested that the governor’s visit to Oyo without meeting the Alaafin had attracted attention within traditional circles.
The source also disclosed that the monarch was expected to attend the 80th birthday celebration of Chief Jolapamo in Lagos but deliberately cancelled the engagement to avoid creating the impression that he was avoiding Governor Makinde and APM members.
The source’s account comes amid growing political activities in Oyo State as parties begin preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
