The Ogun State Government has strongly condemned the actions and allegations of Hon. Ladi Adebutu, describing them as a desperate attempt to distract from his own role in orchestrating electoral violence during the recent local government elections.
Speaking through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government, refuted Adebutu’s claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun used armed personnel to intimidate voters, labelling them as baseless fabrications. Akinmade asserted that Adebutu’s statements were an attempt to shift blame and disguise his own culpability in a series of violent incidents.
In a statement by Tayo Mabeweje,
Media Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Governor Abiodun “conducted himself with the utmost integrity on election day, voting peacefully and returning home immediately afterwards. The governor later travelled to Ondo State, leaving no room for the allegations of intimidation or violence levelled against him.
“In stark contrast, Adebutu has been accused of importing 40 policemen from MOPOL 49 in Lagos, an act that blatantly violated electoral laws. These officers, allegedly acting under Adebutu’s orders, collaborated with armed thugs to disrupt polling stations, snatch ballot boxes, and terrorize voters. Among the victims of these violent tactics was Hon. Muhammed Olaitan Efuwape, Vice Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, who was shot alongside another voter at a polling unit.”
Enraged voters reportedly chased the rogue officers, who sought refuge in Adebutu’s compound, the statement added. “Rather than cooperating with law enforcement, Adebutu allegedly aided their escape, obstructing justice and further implicating himself in the day’s chaos.”
Akinmade did not mince words in his criticism of Adebutu, describing him as a “drowning man” whose political career is on a downward spiral. “This individual is trying to assume the role of the Chief Security Officer of Ogun State, and that is impossible,” Akinmade said, urging Adebutu to turn himself in to law enforcement authorities.
He further lambasted Adebutu for spreading “wicked lies” and fostering division, accusing him of a history of falsehoods, including his failed legal challenges to Governor Abiodun’s election victory. “As a professional clown whose own running mate said he would have been a disaster as governor, Adebutu has consistently spun tales to mask his political failings,” Akinmade stated.
The government’s stance highlights the stark contrast between Governor Abiodun’s leadership, characterized by peace and progress, and Adebutu’s tactics, which Akinmade described as dangerous and divisive. Under Abiodun’s administration, Ogun State has enjoyed unprecedented political stability, making the violent disruptions allegedly orchestrated by Adebutu even more alarming.
Akinmade emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “It is in Adebutu’s best interest to cooperate with law enforcement officers by turning himself in, rather than trying to exonerate himself from the mayhem unleashed on the peace-loving residents of Iperu.”
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring that those who attempt to undermine it face the full weight of the law. Akinmade’s statements serve as a clear warning against any attempt to destabilize the state’s democratic processes for personal or political gain.
As Ogun State residents continue to witness development and unity under Governor Abiodun’s leadership, the government called on the public to reject divisive rhetoric and remain steadfast in their support for leaders who prioritize the collective good over selfish ambitions.
