The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has cautioned politicians and their supporters against engaging in mockery and public ridicule, urging a more respectful approach to political discourse ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement released on Thursday, the monarch called on political stakeholders to refrain from attacking Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, a member of the House of Representatives, over his renewed ambition to become governor of Ogun State.
Isiaka, who represents Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress, recently declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, citing his experience and commitment to public service.
His declaration has drawn criticism from some quarters, with detractors labelling him a “serial contestant” following unsuccessful bids for the governorship since 2011.
Reacting to the criticism, Oba Akinyemi defended Isiaka, saying his consistent participation in elections demonstrates resilience and political relevance rather than failure. He urged politicians to recognise his contributions and avoid derogatory remarks.
The monarch noted that several infrastructural projects, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities and security initiatives in Isiaka’s constituency, have been delivered under his leadership.
He also drew parallels with prominent global and national figures, including Muhammadu Buhari and Abraham Lincoln, who both experienced electoral defeats before eventually attaining leadership.
“The attacks are needless because he is not the only politician who has lost elections,” he said, stressing that past electoral outcomes should not be used as the sole measure of a politician’s capability.
Referring to the 2019 Ogun State governorship election, the monarch argued that political alliances at the time could have altered the outcome. Incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun of the APC won with 241,670 votes, defeating Adekunle Akinlade of the APM, who secured 222,153 votes, while Isiaka, then of the ADC, polled 110,442 votes.
Oba Akinyemi suggested that a coalition between Isiaka and Akinlade might have significantly changed the result.
He further praised Isiaka for demonstrating loyalty and respect to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was the National Leader of the APC at the time of the election.
The monarch called for unity among political actors in Ogun West and across the state, urging leaders to foster collaboration rather than division as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
He also appealed to President Tinubu, Governor Abiodun and other political leaders to intervene and promote harmony, noting that emerging candidates will require the support of established figures to succeed.
