Ogun Government Labels Adebutu’s Allegation As “Tissue of Lies”

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State Government has dismissed allegations by Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the defeated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as baseless and a “face-saving strategy.”

Adebutu had accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of deploying armed military personnel and police to intimidate voters during the recent local government election in Ogun State.

Responding on behalf of the state government, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, described Adebutu’s claims as “tissues of lies” and an attempt to tarnish the governor’s reputation.

He stated that Ogun State has enjoyed a peaceful political atmosphere under Governor Abiodun’s administration, making Adebutu’s allegations implausible.

Akinmade countered Adebutu’s accusations with serious allegations, claiming that Adebutu had brought in 40 policemen from Lagos, along with armed PDP thugs, to disrupt the election process.

He accused Adebutu’s group of attempting to snatch ballot boxes and causing violence at polling units.

One of the incidents cited was at a polling booth in Ikenne Local Government, where Hon. Muhammed Olaitan Efuwape, the Vice Chairman, and another voter were allegedly shot by Adebutu’s hired personnel.

The attackers reportedly sought refuge in Adebutu’s compound before some were arrested.

Akinmade described Adebutu as “a drowning man trying to drag others into the abyss” and accused him of spreading falsehoods as a desperate attempt to salvage his political relevance.

He pointed out that Governor Abiodun spent the election day at home after voting and later traveled to Ondo State. This, he said, contradicts Adebutu’s claims of the governor moving around with security personnel to intimidate voters.

The government official also criticized Adebutu for his history of unfounded claims, referring to his legal battles over the governorship election results.

Akinmade remarked that Adebutu’s claims had been dismissed at all levels of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court.

“Adebutu is a sore loser who has yet to reconcile with his electoral defeat and the fragmented state of his political structure,” Akinmade said.

Akinmade called on Adebutu to cooperate with law enforcement officers investigating the alleged election violence, instead of attempting to deflect blame.

He advised Adebutu to focus on rebuilding his political career rather than spinning “wicked lies.”

The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that elections in Ogun State remain free and fair, devoid of violence or intimidation.