Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State, has expressed support for Senator Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo‑Bello’s ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
Oba Akinyemi spoke after hosting Obasanjo‑Bello at his palace on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He said her aspiration is a constitutional and fundamental right for a Nigerian citizen.
Oba Akinyemi described Obasanjo‑Bello as a woman of substantial professional and political background, noting her previous roles in public service.
He said Ogun State has a history of producing accomplished women and should not shy away from offering them opportunities in leadership roles.
He cited notable women from the state’s history and contemporary public figures as examples of female excellence.
The monarch said it was within Obasanjo‑Bello’s rights to pursue the governorship office under Nigeria’s constitution. He added that the visit to his palace was a private engagement and not a formal endorsement.
Prof. Obasanjo‑Bello is the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She has held public office in Ogun State and at the federal level.
She previously served as Commissioner for Health in Ogun State from 2003 to 2007 and as a Senator of the Federal Republic representing Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011.
Obasanjo‑Bello recently registered as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and publicly confirmed her intention to run for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
In a recorded interview, she said she has ruled out returning to the Senate and is focused on contesting for the state’s highest executive office.
In his remarks, Oba Akinyemi urged broader inclusion of women in political leadership. He pointed to international practices where women occupy top offices and said such participation should not be restricted in Nigeria.
The monarch’s comments stressed the importance of expanding political space for women and re‑examining historically limited roles in governance.
Oba Akinyemi clarified that Obasanjo‑Bello’s visit to his palace was not a formal political endorsement.
He said she did not come for a traditional blessing campaign. Instead, he described it as a private engagement between the traditional ruler and the former senator.
The monarch also encouraged cooperation among political stakeholders across different senatorial districts in Ogun State.
He noted ongoing engagement between political aspirants from varying regions, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts in the state’s political landscape.
