Ogun: Why Awori Obas didn’t meet Otegbeye – ADC leaders

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, of entrenching the culture of intimidation and intolerance in the state ahead of the 2023 governorship election.

The party specifically accused the governor of intimidating Awori Obas from meeting the ADC governorship candidate as earlier scheduled.

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In a statement signed by Senator Iyabode Anisulowo, on behalf of the Apex Leaders, Stakeholders and Leaders of ADC in Ogun State said well-meaning citizens of Ogun State are disturbed by recent events happening around them.

Other ADC leaders who endorsed the statement include Hon Muyiwa Oladipo, a former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Dr Dele Ogunsiji, a former House of Representative member; Chief Moshood Akinyele, Hon Tunde Sanusi, Chief Wole Elegbede, Omooba Tosin Adeluyi, Raheem Ajayi and Bolaji Adeniji.

The former Minister of Education fingered Abiodun on the aborted visit of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the ADC Gubernatorial Candidate, to the palace of Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II.

Otegbeye had received clearance on Monday to meet with Olota and the Council of Awori Obas on Thursday but the visit was cancelled just hours before the meeting.

She said: “The freedom of association and assembly is one which is guaranteed by the Constitution of Nigeria.

“The Chatter of United Nations also recognizes this right hence any attempt by any institution or government to deny this inalienable right must be resisted let alone by an individual who was democratically elected by the people.

“The intimidation by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, that led to the sudden cancellation of the planned visit of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the Gubernatorial Candidate of ADC to the Council of Awori Obas which was scheduled for Thursday, is shameful.

“Whereas, Thursday 3rd November, 2022 had been fixed by the Council of Awori Obas to meet with Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the event was billed to hold as many of the Obas were excited and ready to meet at the Olota of Ota Palace.

“It was therefore shocking when Otegbeye received communications, very late on Wednesday, from the Palace that the event is cancelled; for no justifiable reasons.

“We smelled a rat and from our findings and reliable information that is not controvertible, it was discovered that the state government had contacted the Awori Obas not to receive Barrister Biyi Otegbeye and his entourage. Pray if not so, why will Obas who were all set for us suddenly become unavailable!”, Anisulowo noted.

While saying the party would not tolerate the descent into autocratic rule and anarchy in Ogun State, she called on all citizens of the state, people of goodwill and the media to call the governor to order.