Ogun Monarch Calls for Rigorous Vetting of 2027 Guber Aspirants

Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State's Yewa North Local Government Area, has strongly advised the media, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the state's residents to conduct an exhaustive examination of all individuals aspiring to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in the 2027 governorship election, regardless of their political affiliations. Speaking to journalists on Saturday during his house-warming event in Obada-Oko, Abeokuta, Oba Akinyemi specifically charged journalists and CSOs with investigating the background, qualifications, and past records of these candidates well in advance of the polls.

The revered monarch also urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to promptly address the ongoing disagreement stemming from its governorship primary. He warned that the conflict involving two prominent Yewa figures, Senator Solomon Adeola, widely known as Yayi, and Mr. Abayomi Hunye, could potentially bring disrepute to both the party and the region. Furthermore, Oba Akinyemi voiced apprehension regarding reports that Hunye recorded zero votes in the primary election, describing the scenario as perplexing.

He stressed that the crucial responsibility of selecting the state's next governor should not be exclusively delegated to political parties, highlighting that the electorate will ultimately face the repercussions of the decision made in 2027. The royal father stated, “Let me use this opportunity to tell the electorate, civil society organisations and the press that whoever is going to become the next Governor of Ogun State after Dapo Abiodun should be thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, scrutinised. It is very important. We do not have another place to call our state.”

Oba Akinyemi continued, “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. Everyone who belongs to this state has to ask questions. We must question whoever we plan to entrust with our heritage and governance.” He further added, “This is no longer just about politics; it is about us and the critical stakeholders in the state. Everyone who belongs here must ensure that, if issues arise, we thoroughly understand the background and credentials of anyone who aspires to lead us.”

Addressing the internal strife within the Ogun State APC chapter, particularly the controversy surrounding the party’s primary election involving Adeola and Hunye, Oba Akinyemi appealed to the party leadership to intervene and resolve the matter amicably. The monarch conveyed his concern over what he termed the continuous agitation and counter-agitation arising from the disagreement. “I have been following the trend of the news, including the agitation and counter-agitation. I think we have to implore the party to call them together and resolve whatever differences they may have,” he noted.

Questioning the outcome, he remarked, “If Abayomi Hunye participated in the primaries, it is impossible for him to have scored zero votes because he would have at least voted for himself. So, who stole his vote? Even if the majority voted for Yayi, Hunye would not have cast his own vote for Yayi. Where did that single vote go?” According to Oba Akinyemi, this situation raises critical questions requiring clarification, especially concerning Hunye’s involvement in the primary and the recording of his ballot. “The core question is: what happened to his vote, and why was it not recorded? Had it been properly recorded, we might not be in this situation today,” he asserted.

Oba Akinyemi counselled the political figures involved to settle their differences and refrain from actions that could needlessly escalate political tension, particularly on social media. It is noteworthy that Hunye recently reaffirmed his governorship ambition and subsequently introduced Otunba Abayomi Odunowo from Ijebu Ode as his running mate. However, the national leadership of the APC has since announced Hunye’s suspension from the party and called upon the police to investigate the politician, who hails from Ipokia Local Government, for alleged impersonation.