TheCable

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun says Dapo Abiodun, governor of the state, is intimidating the party.

Iyabode Anisulowo, a former senator, speaking on behalf of ADC in Ogun, said Abiodun has refused to let Awori Obas – traditional rulers – meet Biyi Otegbeye, the Ogun governorship candidate.

Otegbeye was billed to meet with the council of Awori Obas on Thursday but the visit was reportedly cancelled on short notice.

“The intimidation by the governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, that led to the sudden cancellation of the planned visit of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the gubernatorial candidate of ADC, to the council of Awori Obas which was scheduled for Thursday, is shameful,” the former senator said.

“It is sad that our revered traditional institution which is the custodian of our culture and values is being trampled upon by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

“Whereas Thursday 3rd November, 2022 had been fixed by the council of Awori Obas to meet with Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the event was billed to hold as many of the Obas were excited and ready to meet at the Olota of Ota Palace.

“It was therefore shocking when Otegbeye received communications, very late on Wednesday, from the palace that the event was cancelled for no justifiable reasons.

“We smelled a rat and from our findings and reliable information that is not controversial, it was discovered that the state government had contacted the Awori Obas not to receive Barrister Biyi Otegbeye and his entourage.

“We hereby call on all citizens of Ogun state, people of goodwill and the media, to call Dapo Abiodun to order before Ogun state is set on the path of ignominy, animosity and anarchy.”

The former senator said residents must not allow the governor to add “intimidation” to “bad governance”.

Reacting to the allegation, Kunle Somorin, chief press secretary of Abiodun, said the claim is false.

“There’s no truth to it. We respect our royal fathers and they are sufficiently learned. No one can cow them,” Somorin said.

“Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege is a professor and knows his right and what he doesn’t want. Let no one blackmail our monarchs.”

Ibukun Amosun, a former governor of Ogun, has since thrown his weight behind the ADC candidate.