The Asoju Oba of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Engineer Olusola Okodugha, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to reconsider the suspension of the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, over alleged involvement in partisan politics.
Okodugha, in an open letter to the Ogun State Government on Sunday, faulted the allegations against the traditional ruler, describing them as unfounded and insisting that Akinyemi had not engaged in any political activities deserving of the government’s action.
He made the appeal against the backdrop of the recent conferment of chieftaincy titles on prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State by the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, on Thursday.
Among those honoured were former PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, who was installed as Lisa Aje of Oke-Ona Egba, while his wife, Adenike, received the title of Yeye Lisa Aje of Oke-Ona Egba.
Others included Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Alhaja Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, Architect Dele Olaleye, Ambassador Folake Marcus Bello, Dr Abayomi Tella and Chief Abiodun Ogunremi.
The Asoju Oba, in a statement made available to The PUNCH, questioned why Akinyemi was suspended over alleged political involvement while another monarch was allowed to confer traditional titles on prominent opposition figures.
“If the government is concerned about the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics, the same standard should apply to every monarch, irrespective of their political affiliations. Justice and fairness must be seen to be served,” he said.
He called on the state government to reconsider its decision and reinstate the suspended monarch, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the conferment of titles by the Osile should also be taken into consideration.
“What happened on Thursday is a clear sign of partisan politics, with the installation of opposition figures by the Osile of Oke-Ona. Meanwhile, Oba Akintunde is a supporter of the incumbent administration and President Bola Tinubu.
“He doesn’t deserve to be suspended. He is a lover of Prince Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress.
“We are appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to look into this matter again and ensure that Oba Akintunde Akinyemi is given a fair hearing. The traditional institution should not be subjected to unnecessary political controversies,” he added.
The PUNCH reported that the Ogun State Government had suspended Akinyemi with immediate effect over allegations of partisan political activities.
The suspension was approved by the State Executive Council under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
In the letter, the government said the action followed complaints about the monarch’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in openly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.
It maintained that partisan political activities by traditional rulers violated customary law and statutory provisions, warning that such conduct could erode the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among residents with different political affiliations.
The government added that the suspension was necessary to preserve peace, order and good governance in Ogun State, particularly in Iselu Kingdom, while the allegations against the monarch undergo official investigation.
