2027: Ogun Monarch Backs Iyabo Obasanjo’s Governorship Ambition
The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has said it is within the constitutional rights of Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Oba Akinyemi described the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a woman of substance with the pedigree and capacity to govern Ogun State.
The monarch spoke on Saturday after hosting Obasanjo during what he described as a private visit to his palace.
He called for greater inclusion of women in political leadership, noting that Ogun has a history of producing accomplished women.
“Whatever affects Ogun State affects Nigeria. If you look at the great women we have produced, the likes of Efunsetan Aniwura and Efunyela Tinubu, and even in contemporary times, you will see that Ogun is blessed with exceptional women,” he said.
He also cited the Ogun State Chief Judge, Mosunmola Dipeolu, as a symbol of excellence and pride.
The traditional ruler praised Obasanjo’s record, recalling her tenure as Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 and as senator from 2007 to 2011.
He commended her philanthropic efforts through the Iyanuwura Foundation, which he said contributed to human capacity development in the state.
“If somebody like her is willing to take the shot, we men should have a rethink and give women more room than we have been giving them,” he added.
Drawing parallels with Western democracies, Akinyemi said political offices should not be restricted by gender, stressing that Obasanjo’s ambition remains her constitutional right.
“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 said.
He clarified that the visit was not for royal endorsement but a private engagement.
Obasanjo, who recently registered with the All Progressives Congress, had declared her intention to run for governor in 2027 during an interview with Segun Odegbami on Eagle7 Sports FM.
The epidemiologist ruled out returning to the Senate, stating that her focus is solely on the governorship race.
“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,” she said.
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