"Cool the Tensions: Showunmi Urges Abiodun and Daniel to Manage Their Differences in Ogun Politics"

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Call for Action
3. Political Disputes
4. Project Controversy
5. Advice to Leaders
6. Conclusion

Segun Showunmi, the Convener of The Alternative Movement, has urged Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing the Ogun East senatorial district, to resolve their disputes for the benefit of the state.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and put an end to the hardships faced by the citizens due to their ongoing conflict.

Showunmi made these remarks on Monday during the “Guest Forum,” an event organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, in Abeokuta.

It is worth noting that Abiodun and Daniel have been in conflict for various political reasons since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections.

Their disagreement is reportedly linked to disputes regarding who will hold the Ogun East Senatorial District seat in the National Assembly in 2027.

Recently, Gbenga Daniel accused the governor of being intolerant and running a “three-man closed government” where no one outside the small group can provide advice without facing ostracism, victimization, and persecution.

He further claimed that Abiodun is intentionally obstructing and undermining federal government intervention projects in the state.

In response, Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, dismissed the allegations, stating that the constituency projects being carried out by Gbenga Daniel were halted due to their substandard nature and failure to meet Federal Government specifications. He emphasized that the government has a constitutional right to ensure projects are executed correctly and in compliance with standards.

Showunmi expressed disappointment at the inability of Daniel and Abiodun, who were once close friends, to manage their differences.

He advised Daniel to respect Abiodun as the governor of the state and the leader of the party in the senatorial district, while urging Abiodun to handle all situations responsibly to reduce the political tensions in the state.

He remarked, “Fortunately, I refer to them as the three musketeers. Musketeer number one, Justus Olugbenga Daniel, was here, leading as governor with total authority, without anyone overruling him.

“Due to this flaw, musketeer number two, my dear brother, Ibikunle Amosun, took his musketeer sword and practically made it impossible for his predecessor; none of his policies made sense to him.

“I have a slight affection for Dapo, musketeer number three. When Ibikunle was in office, whatever he deemed necessary was implemented. My fondness for Governor Dapo Abiodun stems from the fact that I see him executing some of their visions and projects. If he had acted like musketeer one or two, perhaps the issues you are asking me to comment on wouldn’t even exist.

“According to the constitution we are currently following, and in light of the political climate, governors are the party leaders. Should a governor in his second term, aware of the potential pitfalls surrounding second terms in Ogun, not be cautious?

“Ah, Bola Tinubu, you are too weak. I could not have been their President and leader of their party without calling both of them to account for why they are making life harder for the people of Ogun State. This is a land where people value culture, tradition, music, and festivities.

“Young politicians are not fighting among themselves; it is the older ones who are causing unrest. Press conference after press conference, it’s relentless.

“Well, a pharaoh has come who knows not Joseph. Who will ensure justice here? Therefore, I urge them to lower the political temperature, respect constituted authority, and manage themselves within the established rules of their own party,” he added.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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