2027: Ogun monarch demands thorough screening of Abiodun’s successor

By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun

The Eselu of Eseluland in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called for thorough scrutiny of all candidates seeking to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun ahead of the 2027 election.

He said this while warning against allowing political affiliation, ethnicity or zoning to override competence and integrity.

The monarch said the next governor of Ogun State must be carefully examined based on competence, track record, character and family background, stressing that the quality of leadership that emerges in 2027 would have far-reaching consequences for the future of the state.

Oba Akinyemi made the call while speaking with journalists during the housewarming ceremony of his private residence at Obada Oko, Ogun State.

The traditional ruler also weighed in on the lingering crisis over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary involving two Yewa sons, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and Hon. Semanko Abayomi Hunye.

He urged the APC leadership to urgently establish a dispute resolution committee to address Hunye’s grievances, warning that allowing the disagreement to persist could further divide the party and embarrass the region.

Hunye, who contested the APC governorship ticket against Adeola, has challenged the outcome of the primary in court, alleging irregularities in the process.

Oba Akinyemi, who described both Adeola and Hunye as his subjects, appealed to political leaders to bring the two aspirants together and resolve their differences in the interest of Ogun State.

“I think I will have to implore the party that they should call them together and resolve whatever their differences are.

“As far as the claim is concerned, it would have been an issue for the political leaders. But as a royal father, what I will implore them to do is to put a committee in place. There should be a dispute resolution committee in the party,” he said.

The monarch said he had been closely following the controversy, describing it as a situation of “agitation and counter-agitation” which required urgent intervention by the APC leadership.

He also questioned the reported zero vote credited to Hunye at the governorship primary, saying the figure deserved clarification.

“If actually Abayomi Hunye went for the primary, he can’t score zero. It’s not possible. Because he also voted. So, who stole his vote? That’s the fundamental question,” Oba Akinyemi said.

“Let’s assume everybody voted for Yayi; there’s no doubt about that. But what about Hunye? Can Hunye vote for Yayi? That’s not possible. So, that one vote, where is it? Who stole it?”

The traditional ruler, however, cautioned against pre-judging the matter, noting that the dispute was already before the court.

He urged the APC to use its internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address the grievances while allowing the judiciary to determine the legal issues surrounding the primary.

Oba Akinyemi acknowledged the agitation for Ogun West, also known as Yewa, to produce the next governor, describing it as legitimate given what he called years of political marginalisation.

However, he warned that the quest for power must not lead the people to compromise on competence and good governance.

“Yes, Yewa is expected to have the government because we have been marginalised. You cannot erase that fact,” he said.

“But at the same time, we still want a good person that will give us good governance. I so much believe in good governance. That is my prayer.

“I want somebody who can give us dividends of democracy. Basic education should be fundamental. Empower the people. That is what is paramount to me.”

The monarch therefore charged the media and civil society organisations to thoroughly investigate every governorship candidate before the election.

“Whoever is going to be the governor of Ogun State should be thoroughly cross-examined.

“We don’t have any other place to call our state. So, whosoever wants to take over from the governor, we should shun politics aside, irrespective of the party.

“The press, the media, civil society organisations should bring everybody together and investigate them thoroughly, including their family background. That is very important,” he said.

The Eselu further urged traditional rulers across Ogun State to remain politically neutral while encouraging their subjects to critically assess the candidates seeking their votes.

According to him, traditional rulers have a responsibility to guide their people towards informed choices without openly taking sides in the political contest.

“Our role is to be neutral. Number two, to watch critically and make sure that we scrutinise one after the other and make sure that we are not going to pick a wrong choice,” he said.

“I implore all my traditional rulers that, please, this time around, we should be careful in making our choice. Pick the right choice.”

While commending the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as its achievements, Oba Akinyemi said whoever succeeds the governor must be subjected to careful scrutiny to ensure continuity of good governance.

“The government is putting its best. It has done a lot of tremendous work; there is no doubt about that. But whoever is stepping after him must be critically verified.

“That’s my prayer,” he added.