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 deserve 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 the 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 drew criticism from some political players who labeled him a serial contestant.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that some loyalists of the Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan popularly known as Yayi, have targeted Isiaka over his governorship ambitions.
Both Isiaka and Yayi hail from Ogun West senatorial district and are believed to be eyeing the most coveted post in the state.
Reacting to the criticism, Akinyemi said past electoral defeats should not be used to downplay Isiaka’s political relevance, stressing that persistence is a hallmark of successful leadership.
He drew parallels with prominent global and national figures who experienced multiple electoral setbacks before reaching 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 governor of Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, where he reportedly helped revitalize state-owned assets.
According to him, Isiaka has continued to demonstrate capacity at the National Assembly through his legislative focus on education, health, agriculture and border development.
He also listed some of the lawmakers’ interventions including facilitating federal job opportunities for voters, scholarships for indigent students, sponsoring bills to establish technical colleges, and empowerment programs targeting youth and women.
The traditional ruler also referred to infrastructure projects facilitated by Isiaka, such as roads, classrooms, health centers 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 changed, adding that Isiaka’s decisions at the time reflected party loyalty and strategic moderation.
He therefore urged political leaders in Ogun State to promote unity ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that internal divisions could undermine the ruling party’s chances.
The monarch called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun and other stakeholders to intervene to reconcile the aggrieved factions and discourage what he described as unnecessary attacks on the aspirants.
While acknowledging the emergence of new political contenders in the state, Akinyemi stressed the need to recognize the contributions of long-standing players 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 demonstrated commitment to serving the state should be encouraged, not denigrated,” he said.
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