2027 Ogun Governorship: Yewa Monarchs Dispute Alleged Endorsement of Senator Yayi
2027 Ogun Governorship: Yewa Monarchs Dispute Alleged Endorsement of Senator Yayi
By Mayowa Ezekiel
Fresh controversy has emerged over the 2027 Ogun State governorship race after some traditional rulers in Yewaland disputed reports that they collectively endorsed the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
The position of the monarchs was conveyed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Yewa Indigenous Movement (YIM), Mayowa Ezekiel, following a recent courtesy visit by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and other party leaders to the palace of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.
According to the statement, some of the monarchs expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the meeting, alleging they were not given the opportunity to address the gathering. They claimed the decision departed from the tradition of consultation and consensus that has historically guided interactions among traditional rulers in Yewaland.
The statement further alleged that before the meeting, the Paramount Ruler informed the monarchs that none of them would be allowed to speak, describing the directive as his personal decision. According to the statement, the development generated concerns among some of the traditional rulers before the meeting commenced.
The monarchs also challenged reports suggesting that all Yewa traditional rulers had endorsed Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration. According to the statement, no meeting was convened where such a unanimous endorsement was discussed or approved.
The statement maintained that any endorsement attributed to all Yewa monarchs did not reflect a collective resolution of the traditional institution. It added that while individual monarchs are free to support political aspirants of their choice, no one should claim to speak on behalf of all traditional rulers without broad consultation and consensus.
The statement also called on the Olu of Ilaro to publicly clarify the ancestral lineage linking Senator Adeola to Yewaland, arguing that issues relating to identity, heritage and traditional history should be addressed transparently to prevent unnecessary controversy.
According to the statement, the concerned monarchs reaffirmed that traditional institutions should remain symbols of unity, fairness and inclusiveness rather than platforms for advancing individual political interests. They also urged that future political engagements involving Yewaland should involve wider consultation before public declarations are made in the name of the entire region.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the concerned monarchs to peace, unity and the protection of the dignity and collective interests of the Yewa people as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
At the time of filing this report, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and other parties mentioned had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the statement.
