Senator Gbenga Daniel accuses Governor Dapo Abiodun of intolerant governance, a claim the state denies amid rising political tensions in Ogun
Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel deepened their political confrontation on Sunday in Ogun State, as Senator Daniel accused Governor Abiodun of running what he described as an intolerant administration marked by persecution and exclusion.
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Speaking in Ijebu Igbo during the continuation of his Midterm Assessment Tour as Senator representing Ogun East, Daniel alleged that Abiodun presides over “a three-man closed government” in which dissenting voices are punished rather than heard.
He said the pattern had become a dangerous deviation from democratic norms and a threat to inclusive governance.
Daniel claimed that since 2019 governance in Ogun has been skewed towards a small inner circle, with perceived critics facing sanctions, including threats of dismissal and demolition notices.
He accused the administration of weaponising state power against traditional rulers, community leaders and teachers. The senator described the situation as a “cult-like arrangement” where constructive advice attracts hostility.
The tension escalated after Daniel suggested that his attempts to counsel Abiodun privately had led to his exclusion from party and state activities.
He said his purported suspension from the Ogun chapter of the All Progressives Congress was orchestrated by the governor in retaliation for offering guidance.
However, the governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed the claims as an attempt to divert attention from the senator’s alleged anti-party activities in Ward 4, Sabo, Sagamu. Akinmade argued that Daniel avoided appearing before the ward investigation panel, choosing instead to “play to the gallery” through the media.
Akinmade said the administration supports developmental projects but insisted Daniel must obtain proper approvals for any constituency interventions.
He cited other senators, including Solomon Adeola and Shuaib Salisu, as examples of lawmakers who comply with due process.
Daniel warned that the state’s alleged interference was affecting federal constituency projects he facilitated, including repairs to the Itanrin and General Hospital roads.
He said stop-work orders, allegedly influenced by the state government, risked causing the federal government to withdraw funding if the delays extend beyond December 2025.
He added that interventions such as motorised boreholes, solar streetlights, and free medical outreach programmes were also being undermined.
The senator urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intervene, warning that the political hostilities were depriving Ogun East of critical development.
He expressed gratitude to the APC National Working Committee and President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the party crisis, citing a recent confirmation of his membership by the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru. He said he remained ready to appear before any credible panel to defend his record.
While the NWC has clarified that Daniel remains a bona fide member of the party, Ward 4 leaders insist his suspension stands, arguing that national officials cannot override disciplinary measures initiated at the ward, local government, state or zonal levels.
Also read: Otunba Gbenga Daniel inspires hope with development plans in Ogun East
The political standoff has added a potent new layer to Ogun’s internal party tensions, as both men continue to assert loyalty to the APC while trading accusations over governance, discipline and development priorities.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
