Ogun 2023: The Gathering Storm

By Tayo Oyekanmi

The political activities increased exponentially in Ogun State in the last two/three weeks. This is not unconnected to the teaming up of TripleA with Ladi Adebutu, the Governorship candidate of PDP. This combination has sent enough shivers to the spine of the power that be in the State particularly that of Governor Dapo Abiodun camp. The reaction has been more of overdrive and panicky.

The Governor who in the last 3 years has actually built a pattern of lackluster work rate and schedule where public institutions, roads are getting bad just as bad boys reigns of terror is gaining traction. Suddenly the Governor has become active. Very active.

Penultimate weekend of the month of July, the Governor visited the long abandoned Itori/Ewekoro/Papa road stretch. This is one road that has been crying for attention since the Governor came on board. He was also at Ilaro/Owode road where construction has been witnessing snail-speed work rate with Governor promising to deliver and commission the road on 3 different dates in the past. The Governor was also at Sango/Ota axis though the reception and reaction of the people there was anything but good. The Governor also extended his visitation to Ijoko/Akute axis making serious pronouncements on each of his spot stops. Barely a week after, hardcore stone and other palliative measures are being deplored to the various notorious spots to make the roads slightly motorable. This is highly commendable. But the question on the lips of many is why the sudden interest and responsiveness? Why did the Governor not make use of the money being used before now? Is it that the Governor doesn’t care or not aware? Or was the money being kept for electioneering period for the purpose of vote buying? Only the Governor and members of his inner team knows the answer.

But those reading the political atmosphere of the State believe the Governor’s intervention and sudden interest is purely political. That the fear of LADO/TripleA combination is potent enough to scare anyone. Couple with what happened in Osun State where a sitting Governor was given the marching order electorally by the people. The fear of LADO/TripleA is penetrating without border. The online entertainers of the Governor have been caught off guard too. There has been serious lamentations and personal attacks on LADO and TripleA to express their frustration and helplessness. The same people whose trademark is all about abusing Amosun and describing TripleA as inconsequential to affect Dapo Abiodun’s second term changed gear on Monday evening. They were on political hysteria commending Amosun for purportedly distancing himself from Triple A political move. Are they expecting Amosun to really say otherwise? These are confused lots living on political fantasy and borrowed time. In the days ahead, the tendency of going back to their old ways of abusing Amosun is definitely assured.

In all of these, the reality on ground is that the combination of LADO/TripleA is giving them serious goosebumps. Take a survey across the state, conduct opinion pool or engage in interaction with unattached populace. The general perception is that LADO/TripleA is a potent dosage capable of terminating the second term aspiration of the Governor. Hence major stakeholders are going in drove to join hands with LADO/TripleA momentum. The latest being a fraction formerly loyal to Chief Olusegun Osoba. The movement is now on autopilot because God is listening to the yarnings and suffering of Ogun people. Only Him can obstruct this movement. No man can. But God won’t because He is a just God. People are beginning to see God at work through the combination of LADO and Triple A. The combination is a viable alternative to the lackluster performance of the last 3 years plus. Pensioners are speaking out with resolve to vote against the Government of the day because of viable alternative on the radar. The labour force are whispering in hush tone because of the sensitivity and nature of their jobs just as the generality of the people are aligning their hope with the new reality on the horizon. The Governor is receiving daily security reports and political updates about all these. Hence the resort to temporary palliative interventions and serious political patronage and appointments.

The house of Ogun APC is desolate under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s watch. The Governor has actually abdicated his responsibility in the last 3 years plus when no viable opposition is putting him to task. He used the first year in visiting religion center to celebrate his pyrrhic victory. The people are now waiting for March next year to send him to his early “Pastoral” calling. Until then, the Governor can do whatever he likes. It is his tenure and it will lapse on May 29 next year.