The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has declared that Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has the constitutional right to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Speaking with journalists on Saturday after hosting Obasanjo during a private visit to his palace, the monarch described her as a woman of substance with the pedigree and capacity to govern Ogun State.
He also called for greater inclusion of women in political leadership across the country, stressing that such participation would enhance good governance and national development.
According to the royal father, Ogun has a rich history of accomplished women and should not hesitate to allow them take up leadership roles.
“Whatever affects Ogun State affects Nigeria. If you look at the great women we have produced — the likes of Efunsetan Aniwura and Madam Efunyela Tinubu — and even in contemporary times, you will see that Ogun is blessed with exceptional women,” he said.
He also cited the Ogun State Chief Judge, Mosunmola Dipeolu, as one of the outstanding women who have brought pride to the state.
Oba Akinyemi praised Obasanjo’s public service record, recalling her tenure as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 and her service as a senator from 2007 to 2011. He further commended her philanthropic efforts through the Iyanuwura Foundation, noting that the organisation contributed significantly to human capacity development in the state.
“She is a medical doctor and a philanthropist. The activities of the Iyanuwura Foundation are still fresh in our memory. She built human capacity across the state. These are things that make us proud,” he said.
The monarch urged men to reconsider what he described as the limited political space historically available to women.
“If somebody like her is willing to take the shot, we men should have a rethink and give women more room than we have been giving them,” he added.
Drawing comparisons with global democracies, he noted that women occupy top political positions in Western countries and should not be restricted from seeking office in Nigeria.
Referencing recent U.S. politics, he said that if Kamala Harris had defeated Donald Trump, the United States would have produced its first female president.
He, however, clarified that Obasanjo’s visit to the palace was private and not for royal endorsement.
“She did not come for royal blessing. It was a private visit. At the appropriate time, she knows the appropriate place to go,” he said.
The monarch also emphasised the need for political cooperation among the state’s senatorial districts, noting that aspirants from Ogun West had been engaging stakeholders in other zones.
Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, recently joined the All Progressives Congress and declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
In a recent interview, she ruled out returning to the Senate or serving again as commissioner, stating that her focus is solely on the governorship race.
“The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship. We have started that journey and we are going to see it through. We are very serious and dedicated to it,” she said.
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