Ogun monarch urges voters to reject inaccessible politicians

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has urged residents to reject politicians who fail to respond to calls and messages from the people they seek to govern. The monarch made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, addressing traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians, civil society organisations and voters across the state. He said communication between public office holders and citizens should be treated as a central part of governance.

Akinyemi warned that when officials become difficult to reach, an “information vacuum” can emerge. He said that vacuum could damage public trust, fuel misinformation and weaken the legitimacy of government. According to the monarch, citizens who cannot reach their leaders may become suspicious of their motives and interpret silence as evidence of guilt, secrecy or an attempt to conceal wrongdoing.

He also said ineffective communication could leave people feeling ignored and disconnected from those in authority. Akinyemi linked the problem to transparency and accountability, arguing that citizens could not properly hold public officials responsible when there was little or no communication. He said rumours, fake news and conspiracy theories could fill the gap, while political opponents might exploit the resulting narratives.

The monarch said the consequences could be more serious during emergencies, when unclear or delayed communication might increase panic, worsen crises and reduce compliance with government directives. He described responding to calls and messages as a basic responsibility of anyone holding or seeking public office. He advised voters and community stakeholders not to support governorship candidates or other politicians, regardless of their social standing, if they deliberately shut out citizens.

Akinyemi said such rejection would send a message to public officials and candidates that accessibility and communication were essential to earning public confidence.