The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has issued a warning to traditional rulers and the electorate ahead of the 2027 elections. He advised against voting for any governorship candidate who does not respond to calls or messages from the people. According to Oba Akinyemi, public office holders who deliberately create a communication gap with the people do not deserve votes. This warning was issued in a statement on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Oba Akinyemi highlighted the dangers of keeping the electorate incommunicado, including the breakdown of trust, suspicion of corruption, erosion of accountability, spread of fake news, escalation of crisis, and the hijack of narratives by opponents. He emphasized that failure to communicate destroys public trust, breeds misinformation, and paralyses governance. The monarch's statement has sparked a conversation about the importance of communication in leadership.
The Eselu noted that when officials fail to communicate, citizens feel ignored and disconnected, which destroys political legitimacy. He added that silence by public office holders is often interpreted as guilt and secrecy, and opens room for conspiracy theories and rumour. Oba Akinyemi stressed that responding to calls and messages is a key responsibility of any public office holder.
Oba Akinyemi's advice to traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians, and the electorate in Ogun State is to reject any governorship candidate or politician seeking elective positions who does not pick up calls or respond to messages from citizens. He believes that rejecting such politicians will serve as a lesson to others seeking elective positions in the state. This stance has been seen as a way to promote accountability and transparency in leadership.
The monarch's warning comes ahead of the 2027 elections, where various candidates will be vying for elective positions. Oba Akinyemi's statement has resonated with many, who see it as a call to action for citizens to demand more from their leaders. By emphasizing the importance of communication, the monarch is pushing for a more engaged and participatory democracy.
Oba Akinyemi's statement has also been seen as a reflection of the concerns of many Nigerians who feel disconnected from their leaders. The issue of incommunicado leaders has been a longstanding one, with many citizens expressing frustration at the lack of response from their representatives. The monarch's warning is a reminder that leaders are accountable to the people and must be responsive to their needs.
Ultimately, Oba Akinyemi's warning is a call to action for citizens to be more discerning in their choice of leaders. By voting for candidates who are responsive and accountable, citizens can promote good governance and ensure that their voices are heard. The monarch's statement has sparked a necessary conversation about the qualities of leadership and the importance of communication in a democratic society.
Key points
- Ogun monarch warns electorate against voting for incommunicado candidates.
- Failure to communicate destroys public trust, breeds misinformation, and paralyses governance.
- Rejecting incommunicado politicians will serve as a lesson to others seeking elective positions.
