The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ogun State Chapter, yesterday waded into the crisis between the former Governor of the state and the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun, calling on the two to sheath their swords.
It equally threatened to institute legal action against the Abiodun-led administration should the governor refuse to rescind his action on the demolition of Daniel’s properties—the Asoludero Court and Conference Hotel Limited and annex located at GRA, Sagamu.
It was recalled that Daniel and Abiodun had been engaged in a war of words over the planned demolition of the two properties, with the former accusing the latter of abusing power, while Abiodun fired back at Daniel, insisting he should obey the law as he was not bigger than the state.
CUPP’s Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, while addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Sunday, said that CUPP could not fold its arms and watch the two political bigwigs turn the state into anarchy, urging both parties to bury the hatchet.
Soluade, who cautioned Abiodun against allegedly persecuting Daniel over political differences, expressed shock that the governor could conceive the idea of demolishing the former’s properties despite political assistance rendered to him in the build-up to the 2019 governorship election in the state.
He condemned the action of the Abiodun-led government on the planned demolition of the properties of the two-term governor and a senator serving in the state, stressing that such action was an attempt by Abiodun to weaken Daniel and hijack the Ogun East Senatorial All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket from him ahead of the 2027 election.
Soluade, who also doubles as the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said that rather than engaging in what he termed “political prosecution,” the governor should battle Daniel at the primary level to clinch the ticket, instead of engaging in political blackmail, intimidation, and suspension of the latter over anti-party activities.
He expressed CUPP’s disappointment on receiving the news of the planned demolition, wondering why the incumbent government could witch-hunt Daniel, whom he described as “a leader and respected elder statesman” in the state, calling on citizens to reject any form of political bitterness and politics of vendetta.
Soluade said: “CUPP Ogun State condemns political persecution of Otunba Gbenga Daniel: A statesman must not be rubbished.
“Distinguished journalists, members of the fourth estate of the realm, ladies and gentlemen of the public, today we address you with heavy hearts but with firm conviction. What is happening in Ogun State is not only an insult to democracy but also an insult to the very soul of our people.
“We have observed with shock and utter disappointment the deliberate victimisation of His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), a two-term governor of this state, a performing senator of the Federal Republic, and a statesman of unmatched service to Ogun people.
“The recent action by the Ogun State Government, marking OGD’s private residence and hotel for demolition, is nothing short of political persecution and a brazen attempt to destroy the legacy of a man who has given his all to this state.
“Let us be clear: this is shameful, vindictive, and a dangerous abuse of power. Ogun State is not built on envy, hatred, or pettiness. Our politics must never descend into destruction of individuals simply because of political differences.
“If the target is to weaken OGD politically or hijack his senatorial ticket, why not allow the people in your own party to freely decide through primaries? Why resort to cheap blackmail, intimidation, suspension, and disgraceful acts that were so embarrassing that the APC in the state, within 24 hours, stamped the suspension? What a show of shame!
“CUPP in Ogun State stands boldly to say: this attempt to rubbish OGD is an attempt to rubbish the dignity of Ogun people. We will not sit down and watch while the present administration uses the machinery of government to witch-hunt a respected elder statesman.
“We therefore demand: that the Governor immediately rescind this reckless action; that Ogun people reject any form of politics of bitterness and destruction; that the dignity of our leaders be respected, regardless of party differences.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel is not just a politician; he is a builder, a mentor, and a leader whose contributions to Ogun State will stand the test of time. He deserves respect, not humiliation.
“Let it be known that CUPP Ogun State will stand shoulder to shoulder with OGD. We will resist every attempt to silence him, to destroy him, or to erase his legacy. Democracy is about ideas, not demolition.
“The present government must understand that power is transient, but history is permanent. No governor, no matter how powerful, can rewrite the truth: OGD remains one of the finest leaders Ogun State has produced.
“We say enough is enough! Ogun people will not tolerate politics of vendetta.
Despite party differences, CUPP will always advocate for fairness, equity, and justice. For those God wants to destroy, He first hardens their hearts, and the repressive tendency that is the stock-in-trade of the APC ruling party in Ogun State is becoming their death knell and is giving opportunities for other political parties to excel and provide alternatives where civilization, probity, fairness, equity, and justice prevail.
“Let Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration, which is at its twilight, note that CUPP will be ready to initiate legal action or join Otunba Gbenga Daniel in court if the need arises before our dear state becomes a banana republic,” he added.
Efforts to reach the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Ogun Governor, Kayode Akinmade, proved abortive.
