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 partisan political activities.
The suspension, according to a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday by Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media to Gov Dapo Abiodun, was reportedly approved by the State Executive Council pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending a detailed investigation into the allegations against the monarch.
The statement stated that “The decision was conveyed in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
“According to the letter, the council acted following several complaints concerning the traditional ruler’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.
“The government noted that partisan politics was contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute, warning that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations.
“It 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 period of his suspension.
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.
A copy of the suspension letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat and which was sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, partly reads, “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.
“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.
“Accordingly, in the interest of peace, order and good governance in Ogun State generally, Iselu Kingdom in particular and in line with section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, the State Executive Council has approved your suspension with immediate effect, pending official and detailed review of your actions and the allegations leveled against you.
“Consequently, during the suspension period, you must: vacate and stay away from the palace of Eselu; You must not parade yourself or acknowledge any recognition as Eselu of Iselu Kingdom; You must not wear or use any crown (beaded or not), Ileke, beaded staff, Irukere, and any other paraphernalia of an Oba; and
“Present yourself promptly to any meeting or sitting convened by the State Government to investigate the allegations against you. Please be guided accordingly.”