The ongoing feud between Hon. Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, and the current Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has taken another twist as Adedayo, also known as “Babalawo,” was recently released from detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The chairman’s release followed allegations made by Governor Abiodun, accusing Adedayo of making incendiary remarks against the state and tarnishing his reputation as governor. This clash of words and legal actions is not the first time the Honourable Chairman has been at odds with the state’s leadership.
Previously, he penned an open letter addressed to former governor and national chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aremo Olusegun Osoba. In the letter, the Ijebu East Local Government chairmen levied serious allegations of financial improprieties against Governor Abiodun, pertaining to the funds allocated to the local governments by the federal government.
In the controversial letter, Adedayo accused Abiodun’s administration of failing to remit funds due to the local governments since he assumed office in 2019, igniting further controversy within the political landscape. Governor Abiodun’s response to Adedayo’s allegations was swift and decisive.
He reported the chairman to the DSS, alleging that his statements posed a threat to the state’s security and impugned his reputation as the leader of Ogun State. This move by the governor to involve a security agency in what is essentially a political dispute has sparked mixed reactions among the public. Some perceive it as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices, while others believe it is a necessary step to maintain order.
During Adedayo’s interrogation by the DSS, he made it clear that Governor Abiodun could learn valuable lessons from his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who led the state from 2003 to 2011. Adedayo pointed out that Daniel’s successful tenure was characterized by his support for local government chairmen, allowing them access to their federal allocations, which facilitated significant grassroots development projects.
Adedayo elaborated on his stance, stating, “I am not fighting with Governor Abiodun; he is my friend, he’s my Egbon, my senior brother. But my take is if the local governments are doing well, it’s all to the credit of Mr. Governor. If Governor Abiodun allows the local governments to have access to their funds, the same success could be achieved. I wrote all of this for the DSS.”
In response to claims by the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) that no funds from the local governments are missing, Adedayo remained resolute, stating, “Let them tell that to the EFCC; I have sent my letters to them. Who is even JAAC? This concerns the local government chairmen, and if each of them claims that they have been collecting the money meant to develop their council areas, they should be ready to give an account to the people.”
As this feud continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political landscape of Ogun State and whether the governor will heed Adedayo’s call to draw inspiration from the leadership style of his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
