Prominent Ogun monarch declares support for Iyabo Obasanjo’s 2027 governorship bid

Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa north LGA of Ogun state, has backed the governorship aspiration of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and called for increased inclusion of women in the political leadership of the state.

The monarch spoke after hosting Obasanjo at his palace in what he described as a private visit.

Akinyemi said Ogun state boasts a rich legacy of accomplished women and should not hesitate to offer them the opportunity to lead.

“Whatever affects Ogun State affects Nigeria. If you look at the great women we have produced; the likes of Efunsetan Aniwura and Madam Efunroye Tinubu and even in contemporary times, you will see that Ogun is blessed with exceptional women,” he said.

He cited Mosunmola Dipeolu, Chief Judge of Ogun state, among other accomplished women, describing them as symbols of excellence and pride.

The monarch commended Obasanjo’s professional and political trajectory, recalling her tenure as commissioner for health in Ogun state and later as senator.

He also lauded her philanthropic initiatives through the Iyanuwura Foundation, which he said made notable contributions to human capacity development in the state.

“The activities of the Iyanuwura Foundation are still fresh in our memory. She built human capacity across the state. She is a medical doctor by profession and a philanthropist. These are things that make us proud,” he said.

Akinyemi urged men to reassess what he described as the historically limited political space accorded to women.

“If somebody like her is willing to take the shot, we men should have a rethink and give women more room than we have been giving them. They will not see us as chauvinists,” he added.

Drawing parallels with global democratic practices, the monarch said women are not barred from occupying top political offices in Western democracies.

His words: “Tell me, is there any position in the West that women cannot occupy? Some prime ministers are women. If not that Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump, the United States would have produced its first female president. We cannot ask women not to contest. It is a good development.

“We are traditional rulers; God knows tomorrow. We cannot erase the fact that she has every right to be governor. It is her civil right.

“She did not come for royal blessing. It was a private visit. At the appropriate time, she knows the appropriate place to go.”