SAGAMU, OGUN STATE — The political climate in Ogun State has grown increasingly tense following a strongly worded statement issued by Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael, State Chairman of the ACCORD party, accusing Governor Dapo Abiodun of weaponizing state power against opposition figures.
In the statement titled “Gov. Dapo Abiodun, Don’t Forget the Story of the Elephant and the Tortoise,” Hon. Michael alleged that recent demolition threats and party suspensions were politically motivated acts aimed at silencing dissent ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Frequent accounts of notices or threats to demolish houses and properties belonging to those perceived as political opponents are fast becoming a cause for alarm,” he said, citing the cases of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) and Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.
The ACCORD chairman expressed concern over demolition notices served on Daniel’s properties just days before the August 16, 2025 Remo Federal Constituency bye-election. “Some were of the opinion that it was an attempt to take total charge of the said election,” he stated, adding that others viewed it as “a well-thought-out strategy to make it hard for OGD to return to the Green Chamber in 2027.”
Daniel, a former governor and current senator representing Ogun East, has faced multiple challenges in recent months. His private residence and hotel in Sagamu were marked for demolition by the state government, prompting widespread criticism. Daniel’s camp described the move as “executive recklessness” and “a blatant abuse of power” A B.
Following the failed demolition attempt, Daniel was suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged anti-party activities. The ACCORD chairman interpreted this as “purposeful harassment in connection with the 2027 senatorial race,” asserting that Daniel’s popularity remains intact. “If he chooses to contest on the ticket of any other party, ACCORD included… he would win easily nonetheless,” Michael declared.
The statement also revealed that Hon. Adebutu’s residence in Remo North has reportedly been labeled for demolition, prompting further alarm. “Are opposition leaders now prohibited from residing in peace in Ogun State?” Michael asked. “Has democracy been replaced with a monarchical system where dissent is cowed?”
Calling for restraint, Michael urged Governor Abiodun to uphold democratic values. “Governance is service to all and not the option of selective loyalty,” he said. “To use state power in weaponising against opposition members is a wrong precedent in our polity.”
The statement has sparked renewed debate over the use of executive authority in Ogun State, with political observers watching closely as the 2027 elections approach.
