2027: Ogun monarch backs Iyabo Obasanjo’s gov ambition
The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has stated that it is within the constitutional rights of Prof Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The monarch described Obasanjo as “a woman of substance and with pedigree who has all it takes to govern the state” and called for greater inclusion of women in political leadership to enhance governance and national development.
Speaking during a private visit by Obasanjo to his palace, Oba Akinyemi highlighted Ogun State’s history of producing exceptional women, citing historical figures such as Efunsetan Aniwura and Efunyela Tinubu, as well as contemporary leaders, including Chief Judge Mosunmola Dipeolu.
“Whatever affects Ogun State affects Nigeria. Ogun is blessed with exceptional women,” he said.
The traditional ruler also praised Obasanjo’s professional and political background, recalling her tenure as commissioner for health (2003–2007) and as a senator (2007–2011), and commended her philanthropic efforts through the Iyaniwura Foundation.
“She is a doctor by profession and a philanthropist. These are things that make us proud,” he stated.
Oba Akinyemi urged men to reconsider the limited political space historically available to women:
“If somebody like her is willing to take the shot, 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 democracies, he stressed that women should not be restricted from top political offices.
“Tell me, is there any position in the West that women cannot occupy? Some prime ministers are women. We cannot ask women not to contest. It is a good development,” he added.
The monarch emphasised that Obasanjo’s governorship ambition was a constitutional right.
He said, “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.”
He clarified that the visit was private and not for royal endorsement:
“She did not come for a royal blessing. It was a private visit. At the appropriate time, she knows the appropriate place to go,” the monarch added.
Oba Akinyemi also called for political cooperation across the Ogun senatorial districts.
“We have to work together. Those contesting in Ogun West have been visiting people in Ogun Central. It is also vice versa,” he added.
Obasanjo recently registered with the All Progressives Congress and declared her intention to run for the 2027 governorship seat.
She told a former Green Eagles skipper, Segun Odegbami, on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports that she would not return to the Senate or other past political roles.
“The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship. And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through.
“That’s the journey I’m on, and we are very serious about it. I mean, we are very dedicated to it,” she said.
Credit – punch
