Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has suspended the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom. The monarch is Oba Akintunde Akinyemi. The suspension takes effect immediately. The reason is alleged partisan political activities. The suspension was conveyed in a letter dated 20 October 2026. It was signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
Traditional rulers in Nigeria are expected to stay above partisan politics. The Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, prohibits partisan conduct. Section 52(1) empowers the governor to suspend a monarch pending investigation. In 2023, the state government warned traditional rulers against endorsing candidates. In 2024, a monarch in Ogun was reprimanded for attending a political rally. The current suspension follows several complaints.
The letter said the State Executive Council approved the suspension. It acted on complaints about the ruler’s conduct. The complaints concerned overtly partisan political activities. Some were reportedly publicised by the monarch himself. The government said partisan politics is contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute. It warned that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations. The suspension is for the interest of peace, order and good governance in Ogun State, particularly in Iselu Kingdom.
Oba Akinyemi has been directed to vacate the palace. He must refrain from entering it during the suspension. He must not present himself as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom. He must make himself available for any meeting or sitting convened by the state government to investigate the allegations. The suspension is pending a detailed investigation. The monarch has not commented.
Winners: The Ogun State Government, which asserts authority. Political neutrality in the traditional institution. Residents of Iselu, if peace is restored. The rule of law, which is applied to a monarch. Losers: Oba Akinyemi, who loses his throne temporarily. His supporters. The traditional institution, whose dignity is questioned. Politicians who relied on the monarch’s endorsement. The community, which faces uncertainty.
Bottom Line: A monarch was suspended for playing politics. The law allows it. The palace is vacant. The investigation will determine his fate. Traditional rulers must stay above partisan contests. Ogun has made that clear.