The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has affirmed that it is within the constitutional rights of Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to contest the 2027 governorship race in the state.
Oba Akinyemi described Obasanjo as a woman of substance with the capacity and pedigree to govern, while also calling for greater inclusion of women in political leadership to enhance governance and national development.
Speaking after hosting Obasanjo on a private visit to his palace on Saturday, the traditional ruler noted Ogun State’s rich history of producing accomplished women, including historical figures like Efunsetan Aniwura and contemporary leaders such as Chief Judge Mosunmola Dipeolu.
“Whatever affects Ogun State affects Nigeria. If you look at the great women we have produced, you will see that Ogun is blessed with exceptional women,” he said.
Oba Akinyemi praised Obasanjo’s professional and political background, highlighting her tenure as Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and her service as a senator from 2007 to 2011. He also commended her philanthropic work through the Iyanuwura Foundation, which he said significantly contributed to human capacity development in Ogun State.
The monarch urged men to reconsider historically limited political space for women, stressing that democracy in advanced nations does not restrict women from occupying top political offices. “Some prime ministers are women. If not that Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump, the United States would have produced its first female president. We cannot ask women not to contest,” he added.
Oba Akinyemi clarified that the visit was private and not a royal endorsement. “She did not come for royal blessing. It was a private visit. At the appropriate time, she knows the appropriate place to go,” he said.
He further called for political cooperation across Ogun senatorial districts, noting that aspirants from Ogun West and Ogun Central have been engaging stakeholders across zones.
Obasanjo, who recently registered with the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared her intention to run for the governorship seat during an interview with Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports. She ruled out returning to the Senate or her former party, emphasizing her focus on the governorship.
“So moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. I’m not going back to the Senate. The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship. And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through,” she said.
Obasanjo was accompanied by APC chieftain Pastor Abiodun Ajayi and Engr. Chief Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi, the Bada of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta.
