Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has been accused of
intimidation, insensitivity and anti-democratic tendencies by loyalists of
Prince Dapo Abiodun, who is viewed as the leading candidate, among those
jostling for the state’s governorship position for next year’s election.
They were particularly miffed by what they described as the hostility of
the outgoing governor to those favourably disposed to the oil magnate’s
ambition and that he has being doing everything possible to intimidate and
cower them into ditching the Ijebu-born prince.
They claimed that Governor Amosun has at various times threatened to deal
with those that are in the camp of the former Ogun East Senatorial
candidate.
Prince Dapo Abiodun was said to have purchased some rams and other gift
items, worth over several millions of Naira to be distributed to party
members and executives, for the Sallah celebration, but Governor Amosun,
was said to have allegedly barred the party members, especially the
state Party Executive, including and especially, the state chairman, Chief
Derin Akinbiyi from taking the sallah gifts.
Loyalists of Prince Abiodun, further claimed that the governor’s standing
order was expressly and sternly issued to the party state Chairman and
chairmen of the 20 local governments in the state, adding that Ijebu
Prince’s intention to run for the governorship seat has been viewed as a
major threat by the incumbent governor.
A social media analyst loyal to Dapo Abiodun but simply identified himself
as Banjoko said “Ogun State governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has barred
party officials across the state from collecting Sallah gifts from Prince
Dapo Abiodun, a gubernatorial aspirant in the State.
“Islam and Christianity encourage well meaning and influential individuals
to reach out to people with gift items, during the festive periods, so as
to bring happiness and joy to the homes of the people celebrating such
festival in their communities.
“In line with his long standing tradition, as a well known philanthropist,
Prince Dapo Abiodun has over the years, distributed thousands of rams and
other food items, as well as cash to party faithful and others that may
not be able to afford the items.
“Just like this year’s gesture, this is to enable them enjoy their Sallah
celebrations with family and friends despite the prevailing harsh economic
conditions.
“The governor, who may have become uncomfortable with Prince Dapo
Abiodun’s recent political moves, has reportedly issued a directive to
the State party chairman, Chief ‘Derin Adebiyi and all the 20 Local
Government Chairmen in the state not to receive any Sallah gifts from the
philanthropist -cum- politician.
“By this action and some other recent covert moves made against Prince
Abiodun by Governor Amosun , one is tempted to believe recent rumours
that tend to paint him as being afraid and threatened by Prince Abiodun’s
aspiration.”
According to informed sources in the political circles in the state,
Prince Dapo Abiodun and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, are said to have been
inseparable close friends, for more than two decades and a lot of people
in the state are wondering why and how the sudden hostility
begin and how the governor can be against the emergence of his bosom
friend as his successor.
A top politician in the state, who refused to be named for retributive
actions, said that he believes, the governor is actually shopping for a
successor that will do his biddings, when he leaves office.
”Everybody knows that Prince Dapo Abiodun is a self-made, successful
man, who will never accept to be pushed around, by anybody. Our governor
wants somebody that will do his bidding and he knows, he won’t get that in
him (Abiodun).
Governor Amosun is setting a dangerous precedent in the political
landscape of the state. ”What it means, is that one cannot be successful
in life and aspire to impact in the lives of the people of the state, by
bringing his wealth of experience and connections to uplift the standard
of living of the people of the state.
”You can see that Senator Yayi, an experienced politician, with strong
ties to Asiwaju Tinubu, has ditched his ambition and has ran back to
Lagos. That is what the governor wants. He wants to be the Pharaoh here.
”It is laughable, unrealistic and retrogressive and it is the people of
the state, that would bear the consequences of his actions”. he
lamented.