The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has condemned the mockery and insults directed at a member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Isiaka, over his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the monarch described it as wrong for some politicians to ridicule the Imeko-born accountant and Obafemi Awolowo University graduate for his previous unsuccessful attempts at the governorship.
He noted that several prominent politicians had experienced multiple electoral defeats before eventually achieving their ambitions, urging stakeholders to avoid unnecessary divisions, particularly among aspirants from Ogun West.
Akinyemi advised supporters of governorship hopefuls to be circumspect and work towards building alliances that would advance the region’s political interests.
The monarch said, “It is important to note that Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka has declared his intention to run for Ogun State governor in 2027, citing his experience and commitment to serving the people.
“The attacks against him are needless. He is not the only politician who has lost elections. Former President Muhammadu Buhari contested multiple times before eventually winning, while Abraham Lincoln also experienced several defeats before becoming President of the United States.”
The monarch also commended Isiaka’s contributions to the socio-economic development of Ogun State, particularly during his tenure as Group Managing Director of Gateway Holdings Limited under the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel between 2003 and 2011.
He added that the lawmaker had also facilitated support for indigent students, promoted access to quality education, empowered farmers, and executed infrastructural projects in Imeko-Afon/Yewa North Federal Constituency.
Isiaka, popularly known as GNI, contested the Ogun State governorship election in 2011 under the Peoples Party of Nigeria but lost to Ibikunle Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria. He also contested under the Peoples Democratic Party in 2015 and again lost to Amosun, before making another unsuccessful attempt in 2019 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, losing to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Oba Akinyemi argued that Isiaka’s past electoral losses should not be used as a measure of his political competence.
He cited the 2019 governorship election results, noting that greater collaboration among opposition figures could have altered the outcome.
The monarch further urged political leaders in Ogun West and the state at large to stop ridiculing Isiaka and instead promote unity among aspirants.
“It is true that there is a new entrant in the politics of Ogun West in the person of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, whose popularity and achievements are widely acknowledged.
“However, those who have long been in the political space should also be respected for their perseverance.
“Leaders in Ogun State should unite all aspirants to strengthen their chances in the 2027 election,” he said.
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