By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In a press conference held on Wednesday, the 6th of September, 2023, the Ogun State Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), Comrade Olowu Olayemi Omokehinde, voiced his strong objection to the suspension of Ijebu East’s Local Government Chairman, Wale Adedayo, by seven out of eleven councilors of the legislative council.
The suspension, based on accusations of financial impropriety, has sparked a contentious debate in the local political landscape.
Addressing journalists in Ijebu East, Omokehinde contended that the suspension of Chairman Adedayo, despite his affiliation with the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC), was an act contrary to the will of the electorate and the local government’s residents. He stressed that political differences should not overshadow the pursuit of fair and impartial governance.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the situation, Omokehinde expressed his suspicion that the suspension might be linked to a letter written by Adedayo, in which he accused Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, of diverting funds meant for Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This letter had gone viral and generated mixed reactions on both traditional and social media platforms.
The controversy deepened when Adedayo, in response to an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Abeokuta, voluntarily presented himself but was subsequently detained.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has since called for Adedayo’s release, while also suggesting that the Governor should consider pursuing a libel case against the suspended chairman.
Despite his detention, Adedayo was welcomed back to his Local Government Area by enthusiastic supporters who were seen singing and dancing in a video that circulated widely.
Comrade Omokehinde said, “The importance of transparent and unbiased political practices within the local government, regardless of political affiliations is Germaine. I think the suspension should be duly reversed by the members of the legislative council.”
The controversy surrounding the suspension of Chairman Adedayo continues to unfold, with public attention and scrutiny intensifying as the story develops.