The cries of political vendetta against Governor Dapo Abiodun are no longer whispers — they are now a roar across Ogun State. The latest trigger? Fresh threats to demolish properties linked to former governor and current senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
At the center of the governor’s defense machinery is his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who has been quick to dismiss the warnings and concerns from Senator Daniel’s camp as nothing more than a “wolf cry.”
But Akinmade — an indigene of Idanre in Ondo State and a former Commissioner for Information under Governor Olusegun Mimiko — must be reminded that Ogun politics is not his native Ondo politics. Here, scars run deep, memories are long, and bulldozer politics is not easily forgiven.
Only two years ago, in a shocking midnight raid, Governor Abiodun ordered the demolition of a multimillion-naira complex in Ijebu Ode belonging to Yeye Olufunke Daniel, wife of the senator. The ₦5 billion structure, completed and awaiting commissioning, was flattened under the cover of darkness. Locals still say, “A dynamite would have done a cleaner job.”
At the time, the governor swore it wasn’t political — just as he is swearing now. But the court of public opinion and subsequent legal tussles told another story: it was pure political vendetta.
This is the same governor who, on September 11, 2023, publicly boasted of how he “saved” another property of OGD from demolition back when he assumed office in 2019, trying to paint himself as a magnanimous facilitator. Yet the contradiction is glaring: how does a man who once sought refuge in Asoludero Court — OGD’s stronghold — in March 2019, now target the very symbol of the support that helped him into office?
Let’s refresh memories for Mr. Akinmade: in 2019, when Dapo Abiodun was fighting to survive politically against the hostile machinery of his predecessor, it was OGD who publicly endorsed him, opening political doors and mobilizing his network to ensure Abiodun’s victory. That was no small favor — it was a kingmaker’s blessing.
Today, that same Asoludero Court is reportedly on the demolition list. If this isn’t political vendetta, then the word has lost its meaning.
So, Mr. Akinmade, before you rush to insult the intelligence of Ogun people with your press statements, thread softly. This is not Ondo State where you can play outsider politics without consequence. Ogun people know their history, their heroes, and their betrayers.
And tell your boss this: no bulldozer will ever erase the political memory of Ogun State. If he tries, the backlash will be louder than any machine he sends in the night.
