The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has urged residents of the state to be cautious when voting for politicians, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between public office holders and citizens. He made this statement on Sunday, October 4, 2026, stressing that failure to communicate can create an "information vacuum" that undermines governance and political legitimacy.
According to Oba Akinyemi, citizens who are unable to reach their leaders may become suspicious of their motives and interpret their silence as an attempt to conceal wrongdoing. This can lead to a breakdown of trust and loss of public confidence, leaving citizens feeling "ignored and disconnected" from their leaders. The monarch's advice is aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Oba Akinyemi further argued that poor communication could result in a loss of public confidence and breed misinformation, which can have severe consequences during emergencies. He noted that silence by public officials could be interpreted as "guilt, secrecy, or a sign that the official is hiding wrongdoing." The monarch emphasized that communication is essential to transparency and accountability.
The Eselu warned that communication gaps could encourage rumor-mongering, fake news, and conspiracy theories, while politicized narratives could be hijacked by opponents of an office holder. He stressed that responding to calls and messages should be regarded as a basic responsibility of anyone holding public office or seeking elective office.
Oba Akinyemi maintained that rejecting politicians who shut out citizens would serve as a lesson to other public office holders and political candidates. He advised traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians, and electorate in Ogun State to take communication between public office holders and citizens seriously.
The monarch's statement is a call to action for residents of Ogun State to make informed decisions when voting for politicians. He emphasized that citizens have the power to choose leaders who prioritize communication and transparency. By doing so, residents can promote good governance and accountability in the state.
In conclusion, Oba Akinyemi's advice to residents of Ogun State is clear: reject politicians who ignore your calls and messages. By prioritizing communication and transparency, residents can ensure that their leaders are accountable and responsive to their needs. This can lead to more effective governance and a stronger relationship between citizens and their leaders.
Key points
- Ogun monarch urges residents to reject politicians who fail to respond to calls and messages.
- Effective communication is essential to transparency and accountability in governance.
- Poor communication can lead to a breakdown of trust and loss of public confidence.
