The Eselu of Eselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has asserted that traditional rulers in Nigeria cannot be entirely removed from the political sphere, likening such a scenario to “taking salt out of soup.”
Speaking during a press conference in Abeokuta to mark his birthday, the first-class monarch emphasized that politics and traditional institutions are closely intertwined—particularly in a democratic system where development is largely driven by political officeholders.
“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. 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?” the royal father stated.
Oba Akinyemi stressed that while traditional rulers should avoid “dirty politics,” they must, by necessity, engage with the political process to attract development to their communities.
He further pointed out that even the classification of traditional titles, such as first-class or paramount status, is often influenced by political considerations. “Some who are paramount rulers, who gave them the paramountcy? It’s politics,” he added.
On the ongoing border closure along Nigeria’s western corridor, which has adversely affected border communities in his kingdom, the monarch expressed deep concern over the prolonged blockade. He revealed that several efforts to get the attention of the authorities have been unsuccessful.
Questioning the continued closure despite the removal of fuel subsidies, Oba Akinyemi said he is now treading cautiously to avoid political backlash or division within his domain.
“You have to be careful because of backlash. Just like the press are seen as public enemies, we are also public enemies. When you say things, some of your subjects and colleagues say they don’t support it—you are on your own,” he lamented.
The monarch’s remarks underscore the complex and often delicate balance traditional rulers must strike between cultural leadership and political realities in Nigeria.
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