The Ogun State Government has suspended the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, with immediate effect over alleged involvement in partisan political activities. The suspension was approved by the State Executive Council pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending a detailed investigation.
The decision was conveyed in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat. According to the letter, the council acted following several complaints about the monarch’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.
The government said partisan politics was contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute. It warned that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations.
“In recent time, the State Executive Council has received several complaints regarding your actions as a traditional ruler. Notably, the council has received a series of complaints about overtly political actions and activities conducted by you or at your directive, with many being publicly posted and publicised by you,” the letter read.
“As you know, partisan politics is contrary to customary law. It is also prohibited by statutory law, as it tends to demean the stool and trigger a breakdown of law and order among your subjects, who hold diverse political persuasions”.
The government said the suspension was in the interest of peace, order and good governance in Ogun State, particularly in Iselu Kingdom, while the allegations were subjected to an official and detailed review.
As part of the conditions of the suspension, Oba Akinyemi has been directed to vacate the palace and refrain from entering it throughout the suspension period. He has also been instructed not to present himself as, or claim recognition as, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom. The government further prohibited him from wearing or using any crown, whether beaded or otherwise, ileke, beaded staff, irukere or other paraphernalia associated with the office of an Oba during the suspension.
The letter also directed the monarch to make himself available promptly for any meeting or sitting convened by the state government to investigate the allegations against him. Copies of the letter were sent to the Secretary of Yewa North Local Government and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, for their information and necessary action.
The development is believed to be connected to reservations reportedly expressed by the monarch over the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state. Adeola emerged as the party’s candidate following its primary, in which another Yewa aspirant, Abayomi Hunye, allegedly scored zero votes.
The suspension has drawn criticism from the Ogun Good Governance Forum, which accused the state government of political victimisation and selective enforcement of the law. In a statement signed by Oluwakemi Ogunbiyi, the group questioned why the Eselu was suspended while other traditional rulers who had reportedly expressed support for the APC and its governorship candidate had not faced similar sanctions.
“Is partisanship a crime only when it is not in the ruling party’s favour?” the statement asked, arguing that applying the law against one monarch while allegedly overlooking similar conduct by others raised concerns about political bias.
The forum also faulted the decision to suspend the Eselu pending investigation, arguing that directing him to vacate his palace and stop presenting himself as the Eselu amounted to punishment before the conclusion of the investigation. It called on the state government to immediately reverse the suspension and restore Oba Akinyemi to his palace and the full rights and privileges of his office.
The Ogun State Government has not responded to the allegations of selective enforcement as of the time of filing this report.
