2027: Don’t vote candidates who ignore your calls- Ogun monarch warns electorates

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has issued a warning to both traditional rulers and the electorate regarding the importance of voting for candidates who respond to their calls and messages. In a statement on Sunday, the traditional ruler emphasized that public office holders who deliberately create a communication gap with the people do not merit their votes.

Oba Akinyemi explained that failing to communicate with the electorate destroys public trust, fosters suspicion of corruption, undermines accountability, enables the spread of false information, exacerbates crises, and allows opponents to hijack narratives. He stressed that the act of responding to calls and messages is a fundamental responsibility of any public office holder, and any candidate or incumbent who is incommunicado does not deserve the votes of Ogun's traditional rulers or the citizens of Ogun State.

The monarch noted that when officials neglect communication, citizens feel ignored and disconnected, which ultimately erodes political legitimacy. He went on to advise co-traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians, and the electorate in Ogun State, including civil society organizations, to refrain from voting for any governorship candidates or individuals seeking elective positions who do not engage with the citizens they seek to lead.

Oba Akinyemi believes that rejecting such politicians will serve as a warning to others running for office in the state.