OPINION: Ogun Politics: Who Is Riding On Who?

By Kasali Ogunleye

In the political landscape, certain opportunists, in their quest for relevance, often seek to ingratiate themselves with specific politicians. This pursuit can lead to the exploitation of the desperation or gullibility of these politicians, resulting in the spread of misinformation and slander against any political interests they deem unfavourable. A recent piece, widely shared on social media and titled “Beware of Dogs,” falls into this category, serving as a hatchet job aimed at achieving malicious ends. The author, Chief Adegoke Adeyanju Awoso, who self-referentially styles himself as “The Afi Opateotemole of Yewaland,” engages in crude historical revisionism, attempting to attribute Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s electoral success solely to the influence of Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, the representative for Ogun West in the National Assembly. While the piece feigns modesty and acknowledges that Governor Abiodun has not opposed the senator’s political ambitions, its underlying intent is to undermine the governor and his achievements.

The “chief” cites unnamed sources claiming that Governor Abiodun stated any chairmanship or councillorship candidates linked to the senator “will be outrightly removed,” but he subsequently admits that “no credible source” has confirmed this insinuation. Nevertheless, he claims that the significant votes from Ogun West in the 2023 General Election were what saved Governor Abiodun, asserting that “Everybody knows that after the Almighty God, Sen. Yayi was the saving grace and the messiah.” According to this narrative, it was the senator who assured Governor Abiodun of his impending victory on election day in 2023, without the governor being aware of it.

Despite recognizing that Governor Abiodun never opposed Senator Yayi within the Ogun APC structure, particularly regarding the upcoming local government elections, the writer’s comments lack common decency. Like many sophists, he fails to resist the urge to falsely imply that Governor Abiodun’s re-election was solely due to Yayi’s influence, thereby attempting to discredit the governor and depict him as lacking political standing in his own state—a claim that Yayi himself would likely repudiate. It would be prudent for Yayi to manage these political opportunists before they jeopardized his political future. Governor Abiodun has been a significant figure in the political arena for decades, and to suggest that he has no political structure or that his victories are entirely attributable to Yayi is absurd. Such blatant historical revisionism serves no constructive purpose.

It is worth noting that when Yayi sought to contest the 2015 senatorial election in Ogun West, Prince Abiodun was the first to introduce him to then-Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Despite Prince Abiodun’s pleas, Amosun remained opposed and ensured Yayi was driven out of the state, forcing him to return to Lagos to contest for the senatorial seat. A similar scenario unfolded in 2019, leaving Yayi’s supporters demoralized. Had it not been for Governor Abiodun’s generosity in accommodating some of these supporters within his administration, they would likely have faded into political obscurity. Abiodun provided Yayi with a platform to run for the 2023 senatorial seat, which Amosun had previously denied him, resulting in Yayi’s victory.

To clarify, several political contenders, including GNI and Akinlade, were prepared to compete in the 2023 senatorial election. These contenders had already obtained their forms and had their own political followers. It was Governor Abiodun who reached out to these aspirants, urging them to step down for Yayi, even refunding their form fees and asking them to resolve any pending legal disputes. If Abiodun were opposed to Yayi, why would he have supported him?

The claims made in the article regarding the 2019 election are so far-fetched that they defy belief. During that election, Prince Abiodun faced off against Hon. Akinlade, a Yewa candidate. In this contest, the alleged Yayi’s structure was decisively defeated, particularly in Ogun West, where Akinlade won most wards and triumphed over Abiodun. The decisive votes from Ogun East and Ogun Central enabled Abiodun’s victory. Had Abiodun lost, Yayi’s ambition to return to Ogun West would have vanished, as Akinlade from the West would have satisfied the region’s desire for a governor. The same scenario would have played out had Ladi Adebutu won in 2023. Therefore, the question remains: who is truly riding on whom? Anyone suggesting that Yayi aided Abiodun’s electoral efforts in Yewaland during the 2019 election is simply delusional.

The writer of the article appears to be a political opportunist, a fair-weather supporter lacking stability. Previously a staunch supporter of GNI, he leveraged his loyalty to gain a position in the Ogun State House of Assembly, abandoning GNI as soon as the latter lost power. His shift in allegiance to Yayi raises questions about whether it was motivated by personal gain. He seems to be a transient figure, akin to a candle in the wind.

Governor Abiodun’s calm demeanor and commitment to maintaining peace in Ogun State should not be misconstrued as weakness. Attempting to provoke a rivalry between him and Senator Yayi, especially when Abiodun is focused on delivering democratic benefits to the people and has no political feud with the senator, is an exercise in futility. Such antics reflect more on the character of their instigators rather than on Governor Abiodun, who is widely recognized as a man of peace. His administration has ushered in much-needed stability in a state once marred by political violence and threats. This transformation began when he took office as Ogun’s fifth democratically elected governor on May 29, 2019.

Governor Abiodun is a proponent of peace and will not jeopardize the tranquility of the Gateway State for any reason.

It is time for Governor Abiodun to take charge and restore order within his political sphere.

Individuals like the writer of the aforementioned article should heed the words of Sir Anthony Absolute from Richard Sheridan’s play The Rivals and “cease their impertinence.” Their incessant chatter only serves to reveal their folly. In conclusion, let us reflect on the wise words of the Greek philosopher Plutarch: “It is a troublesome and difficult task that philosophy has in hand when it undertakes to cure garrulousness. For the remedy, words of reason require listeners; but the garrulous listen to nobody, for they are always talking. And this is the first symptom of their ailment: looseness of the tongue becomes impotence of the ears.”

Ogunleye contributes this piece from Imeko Afon, Ogun State.

Note: Views expressed are solely those of the author and not of the publisher. Right of reply is assured.