Taiwo Bankole
February 22, 2026
The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has declared that it is within the constitutional rights of Iyabo Obasanjo to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
The monarch described the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a woman of substance with the pedigree, competence to govern the state.
Oba Akinyemi made the remarks on Saturday while speaking with journalists after hosting Obasanjo during a private visit to his palace. He emphasized the need for greater inclusion of women in political leadership, noting that Ogun State has produced accomplished women who have excelled in various fields.
He referenced historical figures such as Efunsetan Aniwura and Efunyela Tinubu, stating that the state should not hesitate to allow qualified women to aspire to leadership positions.
The royal father also highlighted Obasanjo’s past public service record, recalling her tenure as Commissioner for Health in Ogun State between 2003 and 2007 and her service as a senator from 2007 to 2011. He commended her philanthropic activities through the Iyanuwura Foundation, which he said contributed to human capacity development across the state.
Oba Akinyemi urged men to reconsider what he described as limited political opportunities historically available to women, adding that democratic systems across the world do not restrict women from occupying top offices.
He, however, clarified that Obasanjo’s visit to his palace was private and not for royal endorsement, stressing that her governorship ambition remains her civil, constitutional right.
Obasanjo, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress, had earlier declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship seat, stating that she is fully committed to the race.
