Traditional rulers can’t stay out of politics, says Ogun monarch

The Eselu of Eselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has said that it may be impossible for traditional rulers in Nigeria to completely stay out of politics, explaining that doing so would be tantamount to “taking salt out of soup.”

This is just as the traditional ruler lamented the continuous border closure, particularly about fuel restrictions around the border communities, saying that this Federal Government policy is subjecting the people to untold hardship.

Oba Akinyemi disclosed this at an event organised to mark his birthday in Abeokuta on Monday.

Oba Akinyemi questioned the rationale for maintaining the closure, especially after the government claimed to have removed fuel subsidies.

He said several efforts had been made to engage authorities on the issue, but with little result.

Akinyemi disclosed that “They believe that petrol is being smuggled to Benin, Niger Republic and the rest, and that is affecting the economy. But that was initially, when there was subsidized fuel. Now, if the government says it has taken away subsidy, and we’re buying at a high rate, why is the border still closed?”

“Up till now the border is still closed—you can’t even take five litres outside Nigeria, even the border communities within 20 to 25 kilometres. It’s a common question, but nobody has given a clear answer.”

“To me, we’ve been making a lot of calls, write-ups, media chats to the authorities, but when you look at the reason why they closed the border and why they’ll not open it, it’s like having a crack between the economic policy of Mr. President and the people living in that area.

“When you come to the palace, you’ll see the number of people coming for help daily. But we don’t have that money. Even my salary cannot take care of my workers, not to talk of the security in the office. It is a serious problem,” he said.

He insisted that politics is interwoven with the traditional institution, especially in a democratic system where the delivery of development often relies on political office holders.

The royal father said “The truth of it is that it’s like taking salt out of the soup if any Kabiyesi says he’s not engaging in politics,” Oba Akinyemi told journalists.

He continued, “Ask him who is his local government chairman, state governor—are they not politicians? Who are the ministers of the state—are they not politicians? If you get one or two things in the community, are they not through them? You cannot take salt from the soup.”

Oba Akinyemi explained that while traditional rulers should not engage in “dirty politics,” their involvement in governance and the political process is sometimes unavoidable.

“At times, you cannot be an Oba without playing politics. Even the issue of paramountcy—first class, second class and the rest—is it not politics? And some who are paramount rulers, who gave them the paramountcy? It’s politics,” he said.

Oba Akinyemi added that the political system also dictates the influence of traditional rulers, saying, “If it’s not politics, the governor can do and undo—he has the veto power.”

The royal father, however, said that notwithstanding the tough economic situation, the  Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has been very consistent with a series of intervention projects in the Senatorial district, describing him as a true representative of the people.

“Yayi is doing extremely well. We’ve never had it this good in terms of giving the constituency this level of priority. Particularly, if you go anywhere in Ogun West now, you’ll see his work,” the royal father added.

He called for more responsive governance at the federal level to address the suffering of Nigerians, especially in border communities that are bearing the brunt of harsh economic policies.