The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called on political stakeholders to desist from mocking a member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, over his renewed governorship ambition, insisting that the lawmaker’s contributions to public service merit commendation.
The monarch, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, described Isiaka as a “disciplined and community-driven leader” whose track record in both public and private sectors has positioned him as a key political figure in Ogun West and the state at large.
Isiaka, who represents Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress, recently declared his intention to contest the Ogun State governorship election in 2027—a move that has attracted criticisms from some political actors who labelled him a serial contestant.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that some loyalists of the Senator representing Ogun West ,Senator Solomon Olamilekan popularly known as Yayi have taken a swipe against Isiaka over his governorship ambition.
Both Isiaka and Yayi are from Ogun West Senatorial district and are believed to be eyeing the most covetous seat in the state.
Reacting to the criticisms, Akinyemi said past electoral defeats should not be used to diminish Isiaka’s political relevance, noting that persistence is a hallmark of successful leadership.
He drew parallels with notable global and national figures who experienced multiple electoral setbacks before attaining leadership positions, urging critics to focus on competence and contributions rather than past losses.
The monarch highlighted Isiaka’s credentials, including his academic background in accounting and finance, as well as his experience in governance, particularly his role in the administration of a former Ogun State governor between 2003 and 2011, where he reportedly helped revitalise state-owned assets.
According to him, Isiaka has continued to demonstrate capacity at the National Assembly through his legislative focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, and border development.
He further listed some of the lawmaker’s interventions to include facilitation of federal employment opportunities for constituents, scholarships for indigent students, sponsorship of bills for the establishment of technical institutions, and empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.
The traditional ruler also referenced infrastructural projects facilitated by Isiaka, such as roads, classrooms, healthcare centres, and security facilities within his constituency.
Speaking on the 2019 Ogun State governorship election, Akinyemi argued that the outcome could have been different if political alliances had shifted, adding that Isiaka’s decisions at the time reflected party loyalty and strategic restraint.
He therefore urged political leaders in Ogun State to promote unity ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that internal divisions could undermine the chances of the ruling party.
The monarch called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other stakeholders to intervene in reconciling aggrieved factions and discouraging what he described as unnecessary attacks on aspirants.
While acknowledging the emergence of new political contenders in the state, Akinyemi stressed the need to recognise the contributions of longstanding actors like Isiaka, urging collaboration among all aspirants in the interest of the state.
“Leaders must focus on unity and collective progress rather than ridicule. Those who have consistently shown commitment to serving the state should be encouraged, not disparaged,” he said.
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