…lambasts Oba Akintunde for undermining Yewaland’s collective aspiration
A group, Yewa Youth Alliance for Development has condemned the statement by the Eselu of Iselu, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, dissociating himself and “others” from the engagement, led by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle with the royal fathers of Ijebu and Remo.
YYAD described Eselu’s vituperations as a direct attack on the Yewaland paramount ruler.
The Yewa youth group recalled that recently, the Eselu made bewildering claims and baseless assertions, which constituted a disrespect for hierarchy and unity of Yewaland.
According to YYAD, ‘‘As a subordinate Oba presiding over a small village without a palace, the Eselu was never part of this strategic delegation, which was carefully constituted by Oba Olugbenle. He assembled like-minded Obas, without implying others are incapable of engaging in high-level diplomacy with Ijebu and Remo.
‘‘To claim, without evidence, that he (Eselu) speaks for a “majority” of senior obas is reckless as well as an attempt to sow confusion and undermine Yewa’s authority’’.
“Describing the delegation as “wicked and self-serving” is more than offensive; it is a direct insult to the institution and integrity of the participating Obas. These engagements were deliberate and strategic, to strengthen Yewaland’s political voice in Ogun. Criticising such efforts while contributing nothing to advance the region’s interests is cowardice disguised as moral posturing.
“The Eselu lectures on timing and protocol as though he alone understands respect. Oba Olugbenle has maternal ties to a royal family in Ijebu and is familiar with the region’s customs and traditions. Records also show he has reached out to the people of Ijebu to commiserate with them in times of grief. Evidently, Kabiesi respects the gravity of royal bereavement and has never sought publicity from such solemn moments. His engagement with the Obas was strategic and respectful, not a breach of protocol, as the Eselu would have the public believe. The engagements continue to receive applause from those who are passionate about the development of Yewaland.
“On the promotion of a preferred aspirant: The Eselu attempts to portray Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as “unwise” or divisive. Let it be stated clearly: advocating for a preferred candidate is entirely legitimate, and Oba Olugbenle’s actions were strategic, inclusive, and forward-looking. Publicly opposing this move while privately advancing personal interests is nothing short of hypocrisy.
“On the claim that Ogun West is “not ripe” for such engagement: The assertion that the region is “not ripe” for strategic political discourse is an affront to the collective intelligence of Yewaland. For decades, Ogun West has suffered political marginalization due to silence and hesitation. The time for cautious neutrality has long passed. If the Eselu possessed genuine foresight, he would have aligned with this effort rather than issue a public denunciation.
“On the claim of representing “the majority of us in the Yewa Traditional Council”: The Eselu repeatedly invokes a supposed “majority” of Obas who share his position, yet conveniently fails to name them. This is a classic tactic used to manufacture authority where none exists. We therefore call on him to publicly identify these Obas without delay. The people of Yewaland deserve the kings who are against the progress of the region. Anything short of this exposes his claims as baseless and self-serving.
“On advising stakeholders to “take the visit with a pinch of salt”: This statement is deeply irresponsible. Attempting to delegitimise the Paramount Ruler’s strategic engagement before external stakeholders is not only disrespectful but also a dereliction of duty and a disservice to Yewaland’s longstanding aspirations.
“The outdated model in which traditional rulers remained passive while politicians dictated the region’s future has clearly failed Ogun West. Decades of marginalisation did not occur by accident, they were the result of silence, fragmentation, and a lack of coordinated engagement. That era must come to an end.
“Ultimately, this matter transcends any single Oba or aspirant. It is about whether Ogun West will finally learn from its past or continue to repeat it, loudly and publicly.
“If Oba Akintunde Akinyemi seeks to be regarded as a credible stakeholder at this critical moment, the path forward is clear: mobilise support, build consensus, and advocate for his preferred candidate, without undermining the Paramountcy or fracturing the fragile unity that Yewaland currently enjoys.”
