Abiodun, Adebutu renew rivalry over Ogun govt’s performance
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, have rekindled their rivalry, despite the Supreme Court’s decision in favour of Abiodun.
The latest confrontation began with Adebutu’s critical assessment of the governor’s performance over the last five years. On Friday, Adebutu expressed embarrassment at sharing a hometown with Abiodun, whose tenure he described as demonstrating “diminished acumen.”
Adebutu criticised Abiodun for celebrating the completion of a few kilometres of roads while Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated a 76km road on the same day. “I was in Oyo State when the PDP governor commissioned a 77km road. It was not the resurfacing of an existing road; he actually did urban and rural development at the same time,” Adebutu said.
He praised Makinde’s transparent governance and effective use of relatively limited resources, contrasting it with Abiodun’s performance.
In response, Abiodun fired back on Sunday through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade.
He defended his administration’s achievements and criticised Adebutu’s competence and character. “Obviously, no right-thinking individual with a sound mind could just wake up and start discrediting what the global community is applauding from all fronts,” Akinmade stated.
He continued, “While we understand the limitations of Oladipupo Adebutu as a certified indolent and overfed brat, we never
realised his mannerless tendency had grown to this level of nuisance. What does a man who could not manage an ordinary small-scale business know about governing over six million people in a geographical area of over 16,000 square kilometres?”
Akinmade also criticised Adebutu’s background and alleged lack of achievements, accusing him of living a reckless life and benefiting only from his father’s wealth.
Observers said the exchange marks a significant escalation in the political rivalry between the two figures in Ogun State.