The Eselu of Iselu, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, backs Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo’s 2027 Ogun governorship ambition, praising her credentials and urging more space for women in leadership amid Ogun West’s push for equity after 50 years without a governor
Ogun 2027: Eselu of Iselu Endorses Iyabo Obasanjo’s Governorship Bid, Calls for Greater Women’s Inclusion
In a significant boost for gender inclusion in Ogun State’s politics, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North LGA, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has publicly backed Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo’s ambition to become the state’s next governor in 2027.
The monarch hosted the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his palace during what he described as a private visit, according to reports from Vanguard and Punch newspapers.
Oba Akinyemi emphasised Ogun State’s proud history of producing exceptional women and called for equal opportunities in leadership.
“Whatever affects Ogun State affects Nigeria. If you look at the great women we have produced, the likes of Efunsetan Aniwura and Madam Efunroye Tinubu and even in contemporary times, you will see that Ogun is blessed with exceptional women,” he said.
He highlighted current role models, including Ogun State Chief Judge Mosunmola Dipeolu, as symbols of excellence.
The royal father praised Obasanjo’s impressive track record: her service as Commissioner for Health (2003–2007), her tenure as a Senator (2007–2011), and her impactful philanthropy through the Iyanuwura Foundation.
“The activities of the Iyanuwura Foundation are still fresh in our memory. She built human capacity across the state. She is a medical doctor by profession and a philanthropist. These are things that make us proud,” the monarch stated.
Oba Akinyemi urged men to rethink traditional barriers: “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. They will not see us as chauvinists.”
He drew global comparisons: “Tell me, is there any position in the West that women cannot occupy? Some prime ministers are women. If not for Kamala Harris losing to Donald Trump, the United States would have produced its first female president. We cannot ask women not to contest. It is a good development.”
The monarch stressed that contesting is a fundamental 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 clarified the visit’s nature: “She did not come for royal blessing. It was a private visit. At the appropriate time, she knows the appropriate place to go.”
Amid Ogun West’s long-standing quest to produce the state’s first governor—50 years after Ogun’s creation—the Eselu called for unity across senatorial districts.
“We have to work together. Those contesting in Ogun West have been visiting people in Ogun Central. It is vice versa,” he said.
Obasanjo was accompanied by APC chieftain Pastor Abiodun Ajayi and Engr. Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi, the Bada of Owu Kingdom.
Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo hails from Ogun Central Senatorial District. Her entry into the 2027 governorship race introduces a formidable contender from outside Ogun West, intensifying the competition and posing a direct challenge to the long-standing agitation by Ogun West stakeholders—who have never produced a governor in the state’s 50-year history and are pushing for zonal equity and power rotation
However, on Friday, February 22, 2026, monarchs from Ogun West embarked on a high-stakes strategic visit to the Otta-Awori District Obas at the historic palace of the Olota of Otta, Oba (Professor) AbdulKabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II.
Newsheadline247 reports that the gathering focused on deepening unity and finalising a coordinated blueprint to finally deliver the Ogun State governorship to Ogun West in the 2027 general elections—marking the first time the senatorial district would produce a governor since the state’s creation 50 years ago.
At the heart of the discussions was the urgent need to forge a united front that safeguards and advances the collective interests of the Yewa-Awori people, amid growing concerns that lingering internal divisions and lack of cohesion could once again sabotage the region’s decades-long governorship ambition.
While front-runners from the zone include Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) and Rep. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Obasanjo’s entry—after joining the APC and declaring her intent—adds a compelling dimension, especially with royal voices championing women’s leadership and regional equity.
Political watchers note that cohesion remains key to avoiding past divisions that have frustrated Ogun West’s governorship dream. Read More
