The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has challenged the Ogun State Government to substantiate its allegations of partisan politics against him.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Oba Akinyemi debunked the state government’s claims, asserting that he had been a supporter of the current administration since its inception.
The monarch argued that the government lacked evidence to support its position, adding that several traditional rulers in the state openly participated in politics without facing sanctions.
“It is still an allegation because the letter is vague,” Oba Akinyemi said. “That is the right description. It is just partisan politics, and I think they need to substantiate that.”
He added: “I am telling you now that I am not partisan. I have been a friend of this present administration from its inception. As a Yoruba Oba, I also support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“On this issue of being partisan, you need to ask them for proof because I can count at least twenty Obas in Ogun State who are partisan without even looking at a book. I am a friend of this administration to date, and I have spent 22 years on the throne. Any claim that I am partisan must be backed by evidence.”
The Ogun State Government had earlier suspended Oba 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 communicated 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 Executive Council acted following multiple complaints regarding the monarch’s conduct, specifically his alleged involvement in overtly partisan activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by the monarch himself.
The state government stated that active involvement in partisan politics violates customary law and statutory prohibitions, warning that such conduct risks undermining the dignity of the traditional institution and disrupting peaceful coexistence among subjects with differing political affiliations.
The government maintained that the suspension was enacted in the interest of peace, order, and good governance in Ogun State and the Iselu Kingdom while an official review of the allegations is underway.