Ogun Suspends Eselu of Iselu Over Alleged Partisan Political Activity
ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State Government has suspended the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, with immediate effect pending investigation into allegations of partisan political activity.
The suspension was communicated in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
The state says the decision was approved by the State Executive Council under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.
Government cites complaints over political activity
According to the suspension letter, the government received complaints concerning what it described as overtly political activities by the monarch.
The state says such conduct would be inconsistent with the neutrality expected of the traditional institution.
Those remain government allegations.
The suspension is not a finding that Oba Akinyemi committed wrongdoing.
The investigation is still pending.
Monarch ordered to vacate palace during suspension
The government directed Oba Akinyemi to vacate the Eselu palace throughout the suspension period.
He was also instructed not to present himself as Eselu of Iselu Kingdom or use royal paraphernalia associated with the office while suspended.
The letter further directed him to make himself available for any meeting or sitting convened as part of the investigation.
These are suspension conditions imposed by the government. They do not establish the underlying allegation.
Due process is now the central issue
The state’s action is clear.
What remains unresolved is whether the allegations will be substantiated and how the investigation will be conducted.
The public-interest questions now include:
- what specific conduct is alleged;
- what evidence supports the allegation;
- whether the monarch is given a meaningful opportunity to respond;
- how long the investigation will take;
- whether findings will be made public;
- and what final action follows.
The government’s reliance on Section 52(1) identifies the legal basis it says supports the suspension.
It does not, by itself, prove the alleged partisan conduct.
Monarch’s response remains outstanding
The public reporting reviewed by IDNN is dominated by the Ogun State Government’s account and the suspension letter.
A substantive response from Oba Akinyemi or an authorised representative of the Iselu palace has not been established in the material reviewed.
That response remains important because the allegation carries reputational and institutional consequences.
Until the monarch’s position is obtained and the investigation concluded, the allegation must remain attributed to the state government.
Traditional institutions and political neutrality
The case also raises a wider governance question about the relationship between traditional rulers and partisan politics.
Traditional institutions carry significant social and community influence, while state law and customary expectations may impose neutrality obligations.
How those obligations apply in this case will depend on the evidence and legal process now underway.
What happens next
The investigation will need to establish:
- what specific political activity is alleged;
- whether the monarch disputes the allegation;
- whether the conduct falls within the relevant statutory prohibition;
- how the state applies its disciplinary process;
- and whether the suspension ends in reinstatement, sanction or another outcome.
Until then, the safe position remains:
Oba Akintunde Akinyemi has been suspended pending investigation; the alleged partisan conduct has not been established as fact.