ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA — A traditional ruler in Ogun State has issued a passionate call for the media, civil society organisations and residents to conduct a thorough background investigation into all candidates vying to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in the 2027 governorship election, warning that the future of the state depends on the integrity of the choice made at the polls.
The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, made the appeal on Saturday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of his house-warming ceremony in the Obada-Oko area of Abeokuta . The monarch stressed that the responsibility of choosing the next governor should not be left entirely to political parties, as the electorate would ultimately bear the consequences of their decision .
“Let me use this opportunity to tell the electorate, civil society organisations and the press that whoever is going to become the next Governor of Ogun State after Dapo Abiodun should be thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, scrutinised,” Oba Akinyemi declared . “It is very important. We do not have another place to call our state” .
The royal father specifically tasked the media and CSOs with investigating the backgrounds, credentials and antecedents of all aspirants, irrespective of their political affiliations . He argued that scrutiny must go beyond political party platforms to examine the character, competence and family history of those seeking to lead the state . “Everyone who belongs to this state has to ask questions. We must question whoever we plan to entrust with our heritage and governance,” he said .
“This is no longer just about politics; it is about us and the critical stakeholders in the state. Everyone who belongs here must ensure that, if issues arise, we thoroughly understand the background and credentials of anyone who aspires to lead us,” Oba Akinyemi added .
The monarch also waded into the internal crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, particularly the controversy surrounding the party’s governorship primary involving Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and another aspirant, Mr Abayomi Hunye . He urged the party leadership to intervene urgently and resolve the lingering dispute, warning that the crisis could become an embarrassment to the party and the Yewa region .
Oba Akinyemi expressed bewilderment over reports that Hunye scored zero votes in the primary, describing the situation as puzzling and demanding clarification . “If Abayomi Hunye participated in the primaries, it is impossible for him to have scored zero votes because he would have at least voted for himself. So, who stole his vote?” the monarch asked . “Even if the majority voted for Yayi, Hunye would not have cast his own vote for Yayi. Where did that single vote go?” .
According to the monarch, the issue raises fundamental questions that require clarification, particularly regarding Hunye’s participation in the primary and the recording of his vote . “The core question is: what happened to his vote, and why was it not recorded? Had it been properly recorded, we might not be in this situation today,” he said .
Oba Akinyemi advised the political actors involved to resolve their differences amicably and avoid actions capable of unnecessarily heightening political tension, particularly on social media . His intervention comes amid heightened political activity across Ogun State, with multiple aspirants jostling for the governorship seat and various interest groups positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election .
The monarch’s call for thorough scrutiny reflects growing public concern about the quality of political leadership in the state and the need for greater accountability in the electoral process. As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, his warning serves as a timely reminder that the choice of who governs Ogun State must be informed by rigorous examination of the candidates’ fitness for office .
