By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, in Yewa South local government area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called on political actors in the State to desist from what he described as “unwarranted mockery and condemnation” of Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, insisting that the lawmaker deserves accolades for his contributions to public service and grassroots development.

The monarch described Isiaka, who represents Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, as “a disciplined, community-conscious leader and a political titan whose relevance has remained undeniable in Ogun West and the state at large.”

Oba Akinyemi, who stated this in a statement, he made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, recalled Isiaka’s role during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, where he served as Group Managing Director of Gateway Holdings Limited.

According to him, “he transformed dormant state assets into viable economic platforms, demonstrating capacity and vision.”

He stressed that Isiaka’s continued relevance in politics is rooted in his experience and performance, particularly at the National Assembly.

“At the House of Representatives, his focus on education, healthcare, agriculture and border development is evident, while his contributions to committees on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Student Loans, and National Planning remain commendable,” the statement read.

Listing constituency achievements, Oba Akinyemi noted that Isiaka has facilitated employment opportunities, scholarships for indigent students, sponsored key educational bills, and empowered over 1,600 youths and women through vocational initiatives.

He added that infrastructure projects such as roads, police stations, classrooms and healthcare facilities have also been delivered across the constituency.

On Isiaka’s declaration to contest the 2027 governorship election, the monarch dismissed criticisms labeling him a serial contestant.

“It is unfair and politically immature to ridicule a man for contesting elections. Persistence is not failure,” he said.

Drawing parallels with global and national figures, he stated: “former President Muhammadu Buhari contested multiple times before he won in 2015, and Abraham Lincoln also endured several defeats before becoming President of the United States. Leadership journeys are rarely linear.”

The monarch also referenced the 2019 Ogun governorship election, arguing that political alignments at the time could have altered the outcome.

“The results clearly show that strategic alliances would have changed the dynamics of that election,” he noted.

Oba Akinyemi further commended Isiaka’s loyalty to party leadership during the 2019 polls, stating: “his decision not to collapse his structure, in deference to the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a defining moment that contributed to the eventual victory of the APC in Ogun State.”

While acknowledging the rising profile of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), the monarch urged political stakeholders to embrace unity. “There is room for both the old and new contenders. Experience and fresh energy must be harmonised for collective success,” he said.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other party leaders to intervene and foster cohesion among aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Leaders must rise above parochial interests and put a stop to divisive rhetoric. Isiaka and other longstanding aspirants deserve respect, not ridicule. Unity remains the surest path to victory,” the monarch concluded.