Ogun State Government: Oba Akintunde Akinyemi Suspension for Partisan Politics

• Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, has been immediately suspended by the Ogun State Government.
• The suspension stems from allegations of his involvement in partisan political activities.
• The State Executive Council approved the action under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.
• Oba Akinyemi strongly denies the accusations, challenging the government to provide evidence and noting other monarchs' political involvement.
• The Ogun State Government asserts that such conduct violates customary and statutory prohibitions, threatening the dignity of traditional institutions.

Lawyers advising traditional rulers or government bodies in Ogun State should note the active enforcement of Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, regarding partisan political activities, as this case demonstrates the state's willingness to suspend monarchs pending investigation into such allegations.

The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action by immediately suspending Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, located in the Yewa North Local Government Area. This significant move, which constitutes an Oba Akintunde Akinyemi suspension Ogun State, was initiated due to allegations of the monarch's active involvement in partisan political activities. The suspension is not a final judgment but rather an interim measure, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation into the reported conduct.

The directive for the suspension was formally communicated through a letter dated October 20, 2026. This official correspondence was signed by Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, who serves as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The decision to suspend Oba Akinyemi received approval from the State Executive Council, underscoring the government's unified stance on the matter. This action was taken pursuant to the provisions outlined in Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, which governs the conduct of traditional rulers within the state.

In response to the serious accusations, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi has vehemently denied the Ogun State Government's claims of his partisan political involvement. Speaking in an interview, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom challenged the state authorities to provide concrete evidence to substantiate their allegations, describing the official letter as vague and lacking specific details. He asserted that he is not partisan and has consistently supported the current administration since its inception, extending his backing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government.

The monarch further argued that the government's stance appears inconsistent, pointing out that numerous other traditional rulers across Ogun State openly participate in political affairs without facing any disciplinary measures. He claimed to be aware of at least twenty such Obas, suggesting a selective application of the rules. With 22 years spent on the throne, Oba Akinyemi reiterated his demand for proof, stating that any assertion of his partisanship must be backed by verifiable facts.

The Ogun State Government's decision to implement the traditional ruler suspension is firmly rooted in Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021. This legal provision empowers the state to act against monarchs found to be engaging in partisan politics. The government cited multiple complaints regarding Oba Akinyemi's conduct, specifically highlighting his alleged overtly partisan activities, some of which were reportedly publicized by the monarch himself, as the impetus for their intervention.

According to the state government, active participation in partisan politics by traditional rulers constitutes a violation of both customary law and existing statutory prohibitions. They contend that such involvement risks undermining the inherent dignity and revered status of the traditional institution. Furthermore, the government expressed concerns that such actions could disrupt the peaceful coexistence among subjects who hold diverse political affiliations. The Ogun State Government maintained that the suspension was enacted to safeguard peace, order, and good governance, both within the broader Ogun State and specifically within the Iselu Kingdom, while the official review of the allegations proceeds.

This incident involving the Oba Akintunde Akinyemi suspension Ogun State carries significant implications for the role of traditional rulers and their political involvement Nigeria. It serves as a clear demonstration of the Ogun State Government's resolve to enforce the provisions of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021 Section 52(1), particularly concerning the prohibition of partisan politics among monarchs. The state's swift action, communicated by Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, signals a firm stance against any perceived deviation from the expected non-partisan role of traditional institutions.

Lawyers advising traditional rulers or government bodies in Ogun State should note the active enforcement of Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, regarding partisan political activities, as this case demonstrates the state's willingness to suspend monarchs pending investigation into such allegations. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain the neutrality and integrity of traditional institutions, ensuring they remain symbols of unity rather than sources of political division. The outcome of the ongoing investigation into the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom partisan politics allegations will likely further shape the interpretation and application of these regulations for traditional rulers across the region.

Lawyers advising traditional rulers or government bodies in Ogun State should note the active enforcement of Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, regarding partisan political activities, as this case demonstrates the state's willingness to suspend monarchs pending investigation into such allegations.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH