The Asoju Oba of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Engineer Olusola Okodugha, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to review the suspension of the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, over alleged partisan political activities, raising fresh questions about fairness and political neutrality within the state’s traditional institution.

In an open letter to the Ogun State Government on Sunday, November 8, Okodugha challenged the basis for the monarch’s suspension, insisting that the allegations against Akinyemi were unfounded and did not justify the government’s action.

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The appeal follows a traditional title conferment ceremony organised by the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, on Thursday, November 5, during which several prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State received chieftaincy titles.

Among those honoured was the party’s governorship figure, Oladipupo Adebutu, who was installed as Lisa Aje of Oke-Ona Egba. His wife, Adenike Omolola Adebutu, received the title of Yeye Lisa Aje.

Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo was also installed as Okanlomo Obinrin of Oke-Ona Egba, while Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, received the title of Fiwagbola.

Other recipients included Alhaja Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, Architect Dele Olaleye, Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello and Chief Abiodun Ogunremi.

Reacting to the development, Okodugha questioned why Akinyemi had been suspended over alleged political involvement when another traditional ruler had recently honoured prominent opposition politicians.

He argued that the same principles should guide the treatment of all traditional rulers, regardless of their perceived political leanings.

“If the government is concerned about the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics, the same standard should apply to every monarch, irrespective of their political affiliations. Justice and fairness must be seen to be served,” Okodugha said.

The Iselu chief further maintained that Akinyemi did not deserve the disciplinary action, describing the monarch as a supporter of the incumbent administration and President Bola Tinubu.

“What happened on Thursday is a clear sign of partisan politics, with the installation of opposition figures by the Osile of Oke-Ona.

Meanwhile, Oba Akintunde is a supporter of the incumbent administration and President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Okodugha appealed directly to Abiodun to reconsider the decision and ensure that the suspended monarch received a fair hearing.

The controversy comes against the background of the Ogun State Government’s October 20 decision to suspend Akinyemi with immediate effect, pending an investigation into complaints about his alleged conduct.

The suspension was approved by the State Executive Council under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.

The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

According to the government, the council acted following several complaints concerning the monarch’s alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.

The state government maintained that partisan political involvement by traditional rulers was contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute.

It also warned that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among residents with differing political affiliations.

As part of the suspension conditions, Akinyemi was directed to vacate the palace and refrain from entering it throughout the period of his suspension.

He was also prohibited from presenting himself as the Eselu or using royal insignia, including his crown and other traditional paraphernalia.

The government said the action was necessary to preserve peace, order and good governance in Iselu Kingdom while the allegations underwent a detailed review.

However, the suspension has also developed into a legal dispute

. In a separate development reported earlier in November, Akinyemi approached the Federal High Court in Abeokuta to challenge the government’s decision.

The monarch argued that he had been suspended without prior notice of the allegations or an opportunity to defend himself.

His suit named Abiodun and other state officials among the respondents and sought interim protection against the enforcement of the suspension.

The legal challenge adds another dimension to the controversy, shifting the matter beyond political disagreement towards questions about administrative procedure, the exercise of statutory powers and the rights of traditional officeholders.

Meanwhile, the November 5 chieftaincy ceremony has intensified the debate over the relationship between traditional institutions and party politics in Ogun State.

Although the conferment of traditional titles on political figures does not, by itself, establish that a monarch has engaged in prohibited partisan activities, Okodugha believes the circumstances deserve consideration when assessing allegations of political involvement against another ruler.

The wider issue is whether traditional rulers can maintain public confidence as custodians of their communities while political affiliations increasingly feature in public discussions surrounding their activities.

For now, the Ogun State Government’s investigation and the suspended monarch’s legal challenge remain important parts of the unfolding matter

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. Okodugha’s appeal has added pressure on the Abiodun administration to demonstrate that its approach to traditional rulers is guided by consistent standards, transparency and due process.