Ogun Politics: Eselu’s Suspension Raises Questions Over Consistency in Ogun’s Treatment of Traditional Rulers

By Reloaded News Desk

The suspension of the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, by the Ogun State Government has raised questions about the consistency of the state’s approach to political activities involving traditional rulers, following public endorsements of governorship aspirants by other monarchs and traditional councils.

The monarch was suspended on October 20, 2026, over alleged partisan political activities, with the government citing Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.

The decision, approved by the State Executive Council, was announced by the government pending a detailed investigation into the allegations against him.

In a conversation with Reloaded News on Thursday, the Eselu questioned the basis for the action, asking the government to explain what he had done wrong to warrant his suspension.

The government said its decision followed several complaints concerning the monarch’s conduct, particularly alleged overtly partisan political activities, some of which it said were reportedly publicised by him.

Under the suspension order, Oba Akinyemi was directed to vacate the palace, refrain from presenting himself as the Eselu and stop using the insignia associated with his office throughout the suspension period.

However, the publicly reported notice did not specify the individual acts attributed to the monarch or provide details of the evidence supporting the complaints.

The suspension has drawn attention to other publicly reported political endorsements involving traditional rulers in Ogun State, raising questions about the criteria used to determine when a monarch’s political engagement amounts to prohibited partisanship.

Alake publicly endorses Adebutu

On July 19, 2026, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, publicly endorsed the governorship ambition of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

The endorsement followed a visit by Adebutu and members of his political team to the Ake Palace in Abeokuta, where the politician sought the support and blessings of the Egba Traditional Council.

The Alake described Adebutu as trustworthy and reliable and expressed support for his ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The reported endorsement provides a relevant point of comparison in examining how the state approaches public political declarations by traditional rulers.

Reloaded News has not established whether a formal complaint was lodged against the Alake over the declaration or whether the state government investigated the matter.

Awori monarchs declare support for Yayi

A month later, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, alongsid]e other Awori traditional rulers, publicly declared support for Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The declaration was made on August 18 during a visit by Adebutu to the Olota’s palace in Ota.

Speaking on behalf of the Awori traditional institution, Oba Obalanlege said the monarchs supported the position that Ogun West should produce the next governor, citing what he described as the area’s marginalisation in the state’s political leadership.

Other monarchs reported to have attended the gathering included the Oloja Eku of Igbesa, the Onilogbo of Ilogbo Asowo, the Alagbara of Agbara, the Alagbado of Agbado, the Olodan of Odan Abuja, the Onikogbo and the Onitigbo.

The reported declaration went beyond receiving a political aspirant at a palace, as the monarchs publicly stated their preference for a named candidate and explained their position in terms of regional representation.

Earlier in July, reports also documented an endorsement involving the Ijebu Traditional Council, which reportedly backed Yayi’s governorship ambition and Governor Dapo Abiodun’s senatorial ambition.

These incidents establish that public political endorsements involving individual monarchs and traditional councils have been reported in Ogun State during the current political cycle.

However, the existence of those reports does not establish that the monarchs involved violated the law or that the government received complaints against them.

What constitutes prohibited partisanship?

The different cases raise questions about how the Ogun State Government interprets and enforces the legal restrictions it says apply to partisan political activities by traditional rulers.

Does the government distinguish between receiving political aspirants, offering customary royal blessings, expressing personal support and formally endorsing a candidate?

Does the same standard apply to individual monarchs and traditional councils? What evidence is required before a traditional ruler can be suspended, and what opportunity is provided for the affected monarch to respond?

These questions are particularly relevant because the Eselu’s suspension carries immediate consequences for his access to the palace, use of royal insignia and exercise of his traditional office while the investigation continues.

Reloaded News has not found published confirmation that any of the other monarchs identified in this report was sanctioned specifically for publicly endorsing a political candidate.

A fair assessment of consistency requires information about the conduct alleged in each case, the evidence available to the authorities and the outcome of any investigation.

Government urged to clarify its position

The Ogun State Government should clarify the specific actions attributed to the Eselu, the evidence supporting the allegations and the procedure through which the monarch will be allowed to respond.

It should also explain whether the publicly reported endorsements by other traditional rulers have been examined under the same legal and administrative framework and whether any complaints, investigations or sanctions resulted.

Such clarification would help establish whether differences in the handling of the cases arise from the nature of the conduct, the evidence available, complaints received or other relevant circumstances.

The government has stated that the Eselu’s suspension will remain in force pending a detailed investigation. Until further findings are made public, the allegations against him should not be treated as established facts.

Traditional institutions occupy an important place in community leadership and public life. Their credibility depends in part on public confidence that rules governing their conduct are clear and consistently applied.

The issue, therefore, is not whether traditional rulers should be above the law. It is whether the law is being applied according to clear, consistent and publicly explainable standards.

The government has an opportunity to address these concerns by providing a detailed explanation of the Eselu’s case and clarifying how it handles comparable situations involving other traditional rulers.

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