The Ogun State government has dismissed allegations made by Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 polls, as the “ranting of a drowning man.” Adebutu had accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of failing to account for local government funds over the past five years.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government described Adebutu’s claims as baseless and an attempt to distract attention from his ongoing investigations for alleged electoral violence and attempted murder.
“It is not surprising that someone notorious for baseless and hollow accusations would make such claims,” the statement read.
The government also refuted Adebutu’s claim that N214 billion in local government funds had been squandered, noting that the governor is not a signatory to local government accounts. “If Adebutu understood the art of governance, he would know the impossibility of his accusations,” Akinmade stated.
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Further criticizing Adebutu’s credibility, the statement added, “Adebutu is a man whose own running mate once described him as a complete disaster. He resorts to flippant and jejune accusations to entertain his followers.”
The government also highlighted Adebutu’s legal challenges, stating, “He is standing trial for vote-buying and conspiracy and was a fugitive for months before returning to Nigeria in disgrace.”
In response to Adebutu’s recent comments about violent change, the statement urged citizens to disregard him. “He is a sinking ship attempting to drag others down with him,” it concluded. “Right-thinking individuals must ignore his blackmail and rabble-rousing.”
The Ogun State government reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
