Ogun 2027: Monarch Demands Rigorous Background Checks on Abiodun’s Potential Successors

As political alignments and structural maneuvers for the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State begin to take shape, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has issued a stern, timely warning to the electorate. The prominent monarch has declared that the responsibility of selecting the successor to Governor Dapo Abiodun must not be outsourced solely to political parties, noting that the ultimate consequences of governance—good or bad—rest squarely on the shoulders of the citizens.

Speaking to journalists during an event in the Obada-Oko area of Abeokuta, the traditional ruler argued that the future of the state hinges on a collective refusal to accept political candidates at face value. He called for an unprecedented level of public vetting, insisting that anyone aspiring to pilot the affairs of the Gateway State must have their personal, professional, and family backgrounds laid bare before the public eye.

To achieve this high level of accountability, Oba Akinyemi challenged civil society organisations and independent media houses to champion deep investigative reporting on all prospective candidates. According to him, the era of passive voting is over, and the socio-economic challenges confronting the sub-national entity demand a leadership class whose integrity is thoroughly proven rather than assumed.

"Whoever wants to take over from the governor, irrespective of the political party, should be subjected to thorough scrutiny. The media and civil society organisations should come together to investigate all the candidates thoroughly, including their family backgrounds. It is very, very important."

The Eselu stressed that the cultural and political heritage of Ogun State is too valuable to be left to chance or backroom political consensus, advising residents to ask tough, uncompromising questions before committing their mandate.