Dapo Abiodun’s Political Vendetta: What Kayode Akinmade Must Learn Before Speaking for Ogun State

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.

Political Vendetta Gone Wild: Abiodun Targets Gbenga Daniel’s Mansions and Hotels for Demolition

The political battle in Ogun State has reached boiling point as Governor Dapo Abiodun moves against his predecessor, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in what Daniel’s camp is calling a “brazen and shameless abuse of power.”

In a dramatic twist late Friday afternoon, August 8, agents allegedly acting on the governor’s orders swooped on Daniel’s sprawling Asoludero Court residence, the multi-billion-naira Conference Hotel in Sagamu, and its Annex—pasting contravention, quit, and demolition notices on all three properties at once.

The government claims the buildings violate provisions of the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022. But Daniel’s team says the accusations are absurd, pointing out that the properties were legally built years before the law even existed—Asoludero Court in 2004, Conference Hotel in 2013, and the Annex in 2015.

“This is not governance; it’s political gangsterism,” declared Steve Oliyide of the OGD Media Office. “Abiodun is weaponizing the law to destroy an opponent, trampling on due process, and using intimidation in place of justice.”

The fiery statement draws parallels to the notorious midnight demolition of DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu Ode—owned by Daniel’s wife—in September 2023, carried out under the cover of darkness on what critics described as “flimsy excuses.” That case is still in court, with the state government suffering repeated legal defeats.

Political watchers say the latest action signals a dangerous escalation in Ogun’s political wars, raising fears of a descent into open hostility ahead of the next election cycle.

As at press time, the Ogun State Government had not commented on the allegations, but tension in the state’s political circles is at an all-time high.

Agege LG tussle: Real Reasons Ganiyu Egunjobi, Agbelebu Don't See Face-to-Face

• …The Obasa game plan to install son as LG chairmen

 

Fresh revelations have emerged on why the outgoing Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi, is allegedly opposed to his Vice Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Abiola, popularly known as Agbelebu from succeeding him.

Sources close to the political circle revealed that there has been no love lost between the duo from the onset, despite both belonging to the same political faction led by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. It was gathered that Obasa’s alleged divide-and-rule style of politics contributed significantly to the strained relationship between Egunjobi and Agbelebu.

When Agbelebu was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government through Obasa’s influence, he reportedly refused to offer financial support to Egunjobi as directed by the Speaker. Agbelebu also did not back Egunjobi’s bid for the chairmanship, as he allegedly had his own preferred candidate. He was also said to have failed to campaign for Egunjobi among civil servants.

Upon his election as chairman, Egunjobi reportedly “took his pound of flesh,” sidelining Agbelebu. Observers believe this lingering animosity is a key reason Egunjobi is allegedly determined to block his vice from succeeding him. There are fears that if Agbelebu emerges as the next chairman, several alleged financial infractions committed by Egunjobi during his tenure may come to light.

It was also gathered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating the council boss and may arrest him once his tenure ends in a few months. Egunjobi reportedly fears that Agbelebu might cooperate with the EFCC in the probe, hence his desperation to stop him from taking over.

In an apparent move to frustrate Agbelebu’s ambition, Egunjobi is said to be pushing for the imposition of a 73-year-old ailing aspirant, Tunde Azeez, popularly known as Tunde Disco who is currently the APC LGA chairman as his successor. Disco is to be deputized by AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa, son of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Initially, both Egunjobi and Obasa had backed AbdulGaniyu Obasa for the chairmanship, a decision that reportedly devastated Agbelebu and triggered outrage among other aspirants. Many of them had already begun consultations, mobilizing support, and raising funds for their campaigns when the news broke.

According to sources close to Agbelebu, he was deeply hurt by the move, especially after his professed loyalty to Speaker Obasa and his significant investment in preparing to succeed Egunjobi. He reportedly withdrew from social media for days after hearing the announcement. His supporters, enraged by what they saw as a betrayal, protested vehemently and vowed to resist the imposition of Obasa’s son.

“Agbelebu has paid his dues,” one of his supporters said. “If anyone deserves to become the next chairman of Agege Local Government, it is him. He has served the grassroots diligently and made sacrifices to bring Agege to where it is today.”

Another protester fumed, “It is not fair! How can we serve the father and still be asked to serve the son? Why is it now that it’s Agbelebu’s turn that Obasa is doing all this? Agbelebu is not stepping down for anybody. It’s a fight to the finish!”

Amid growing tensions, Agbelebu reportedly called his supporters to order and announced that he had no intention of going head-to-head with his political leader over the decision to impose his son.

However, it was later gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened by removing AbdulGaniyu Obasa’s name from the chairmanship nomination list submitted to the state. In response, Speaker Obasa, in collaboration with Egunjobi, nominated Tunde Disco, who was the council boss’s original choice, as the replacement candidate.

Despite Tunde Disco’s failing health, he was allegedly helped to the APC Secretariat on Acme Road to fill out his nomination forms and undergo screening. The 73-year-old reportedly had to be physically supported throughout the process.

A source within the party disclosed that Rt. Hon. Obasa allegedly planned his son as the vice-chairman nominee with a long-term plan: once Tunde Disco assumes office, he is expected to resign due to his health condition, allowing AbdulGaniyu to seamlessly take over as chairman. The plan is so advanced, insiders say, that Tunde Disco’s resignation letter has already been prepared.

The list of cleared and successful chairmanship aspirants for Agege Local Government Area, released by the APC Electoral Committee, includes: Akerele Salaudeen Idowu, Sola Osolana, Abiodun Ogunji, Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel, Tunde Azeez (Tunde Disco), Bukola Sofidiya and Oduwusi Femi.

Source: city.ng

Anti-Graft Agency EFCC Probes NiMet Director-General Anosike Over Alleged Contract Fraud, Mismanagement Of IGR

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally opened investigations into the Director-General of the gency, Professor Charles Anosike, and members of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) management team over allegations of contract fraud and the mismanagement of internally generated revenue (IGR).
Nigerian fashion

The probe, revealed in an EFCC memo obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday, sparked a two-day strike by the agency staff before the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, intervened to call for calm.

“This Commission is investigating a case involving the Nigeria Meteorology Agency (NIMET) and the need to seek for information from your office has become imperative,” read the EFCC’s letter dated 28th March, 2025, signed by C.E. Abdulkarim Chukkol, Director of Investigation.
Nigerian fashion

 “You are kindly requested to furnish us with the following documents and information to enable us proceed with our investigation: i.   List of contracts executed by NIMET from 2023 to date; ii.  List of registered contractors with the Agency; iii. Evidence of requisite procurement process/procedure sequel to award of contracts; iv.  Details of the account operated by the Agency and v.   And any other information that will assist the Commission in the investigation.”
The letter, which cites sections 38 (1) & (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, marks the first public confirmation of a formal EFCC inquiry into NIMET’s contracting processes under Professor Anosike’s watch.

Earlier this week, NIMET employees downed tools in protest of what they termed “rising infractions in contract awards” and “opaque handling of agency revenues.” 
A source within the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), who spoke on condition of anonymity, told SaharaReporters: “We had no choice but to strike after repeated appeals to management for transparency fell on deaf ears. Our strike crippled key services, from aviation weather reports to seasonal forecasts critical to farmers.”
The two-day stoppage forced the aviation minister, Keyamo, to summon both NIMET management and union leaders to a meeting on Wednesday, where he urged all parties to “exercise restraint” and “fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.”

In an official statement issued, NIMET’s General Manager, Public Relations, Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, described the EFCC letter as a “routine request” that predates Professor Anosike’s appointment in December 2023:
 “The EFCC has, as part of its standard procedures, asked for documentation on contracts awarded as far back as 2021. No member of our current leadership has been invited for questioning, nor is anyone under indictment. We are fully cooperating with the Commission.”
Ibrahim lamented what he termed “sensational and misleading reporting” that falsely depicted the document request as evidence of corruption within the agency’s current administration.

Wema Bank: 80 Years of Stagnant Survival in Nigerian Banking

Wema Bank, one of Nigeria’s oldest surviving banks, has existed since 1945—making it an octogenarian institution. Yet despite its longevity, the bank remains a paradox of persistence without prominence. While competitors like First Bank, Zenith, and GTBank evolved into financial powerhouses, Wema Bank has mostly coasted in the shallow waters of mediocrity.

A Legacy of Playing Catch-Up:
Wema’s most notable contribution in the last two decades is ALAT, Nigeria’s first fully digital bank. While that gave the bank a much-needed PR boost in 2017, it was more a leap of desperation than one of innovation. ALAT's initial hype has long since cooled, and it hasn’t significantly shifted Wema’s market dominance or profitability.

Chronic Underperformance:
Throughout much of its history, Wema has been dogged by inconsistent leadership, limited capitalization, and a relatively weak customer base. It's a Tier-2 bank in every sense—offering the basics but rarely leading in innovation, profitability, or service delivery. Even as Nigeria’s banking sector consolidated and expanded aggressively, Wema Bank remained a fringe player.

Survival, Not Success:
Wema has managed to avoid collapse or forced mergers—credit is due there—but survival should not be mistaken for success. Its operational reach is modest, its balance sheet is dwarfed by competitors, and its influence in setting financial trends is nearly nonexistent.

What’s Next?
The bank faces a pivotal future: either reinvent itself with bold, aggressive strategy or fade further into irrelevance. Mere tradition can’t sustain a financial institution in a fast-evolving digital and competitive landscape.

In 80 years, Wema Bank has not failed—but it hasn’t truly thrived either. It exists. And that may be the most brutal truth of all.

NOW STREAMING: Watch Malabugate documentary series on YouTube

The highly anticipated Malabugate documentary, detailing the $1.3 billion OPL 245 oil saga, is now available for streaming on TheCable’s YouTube channel.

The documentary is being released in parts, with part one now live. The second and third parts of the series will follow shortly.

The story aired on TVC News at 9pm on Sunday, May 4, to rave reviews.

Produced by TheCable in partnership with the Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF), Malabugate unpacks over two decades of controversy surrounding one of Nigeria’s most prolific oil wells.

The story begins from when the Sani Abacha military junta awarded OPL 245 to a company with no known track record, to how the licence was revoked, restored, and eventually flipped in a deal involving Shell, Eni, and a web of politically exposed players.

The report unfurls the complex dynamics at play within the global oil industry and Nigeria’s political sphere.

It also provides an insight on how power, politics and influence continue to shape the country’s oil sector.

Do well to stay tuned for the sequels.

2027: OGD Reshuffles Campaign Structure, Sacks 2023 DG, Political Adviser

... Appoints Alabi Jamiu as New DG, Amosun's Man, Osifade as Deputy

In a bid to strengthen his campaign structure towards the 2027 race , Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing the Ogun East at the upper legislative chamber in Abuja is said to be considering a reorganisation. 

Sources revealed that he might have carried out a first phase reshuffle of his campaign structure, easing out the erstwhile DG, a former ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Remo North local government, John Obafemi as well as the former Commissioner Youth and Sports, Fatai Sowemimo.

In their place, Senator Daniel it was gathered has appointed former Sagamu Youth Association, Jamiu Alabi Olododo to serve as Director General of the 2027 Senatorial campaign, while he also appointed a former aide of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Dele Osifade as Deputy.

Those who are close to the OGD campaign structure revealed that the Senator who was trying to inject youthful energies into his campaigns has decided to gradually disengage older members of his campaign structure so that they younger men can drive him towards the 2027 Senate.

Otunba Daniel unveiled his new DG when he held a meeting with members of his political team a few months ago, and he has also been introducing him to all members of the structure while touring the Senatorial District.

Some informed sources revealed that "Jamiu Alabi, who founded the OGD Political Movement upon which the senator eventually built his  political structure is the best candidate to lead OGD campaign, but he was shortchanged during the last campaign, and returning him to provide leadership is like putting the right peg in the right hole".

A member of the OGD Media who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak in that capacity however debunks the claim, claiming no such changes has taken place. According to him "That must be mischievous, because the OGD structure remains strong. We don't know where you are getting your stories from. Of course there could be some ambitious individuals trying to hijack the process, but no such thing actually took place nor is being contemplated". 

He said further that "The Gateway Movement was and still is the OGD Campaign Structure and this was an extension of his Gateway Front Foundation that he started more than 20 years ago. This OGD Political Movement is strange to us and whoever told you about that should be bold enough to show his face in public".

Here Are 4 times VeryDarkMan Has Been Arrested

His outspoken commentary on social issues and public figures has frequently placed him at odds with law enforcement

​Nigerian social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has become quite the household name in recent years. Known for calling out public figures, politicians, and influencers on various issues, VDM’s confrontational style has earned him both devoted followers and powerful enemies. 

Over the past few years, he’s been arrested multiple times, mostly on charges related to cyberbullying, defamation, and cyberstalking, sparking public debates about free speech in Nigeria.

Here is a timeline of VDM’s different run-ins with the law:

March 2024:  Arrested Over Cyberbullying Allegations
VDM was arrested on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, including making false accusations against  Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in police custody until his hearing on May 29, 2024. After two weeks in detention, he was released.

October 2024 : Arrested after 'Police uniform fiasco'
In October 2024, the renowned critic was invited by the Nigerian police after a video of him wearing the police uniform went viral. Said video raked in different reactions online, with many slamming him for abusing the uniform.’

However, after honouring the invitation, VDM was detained by the police and the news was confirmed by his lawyer Deji Adeyanju.
His post read, “Our client, VDM, has been detained after honouring a police invitation just like yesterday. VDM has been consistent in stating that the Nigerian Police are our friends, even when we all know they are not.”
VDM was subsequently released from detention.

March 2025: Arrest Warrant issued for the defamation of Mercy Chinwo
In March 2025, the Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Very Dark Man (VDM) over the alleged defamation of Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, following VeryDarkMan's failure to appear before the magistrate after being summoned on March 5, 2025. However, he was never arrested for this.

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May 2025: Arrested at Abuja Bank
On Friday, May 2, 2025, VDM was arrested after going to a bank with a friend, immediately sparking reactions and widespread outrage, According to his lawyer,Adeyanju, the outspoken activist was apprehended inside a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch alongside a friend, identified only as C Park.
"JUST IN: VDM arrested by the police at GTB. Spoke to them before he was arrested. This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime," Adeyanju said in a social media post.