…vows court action if govt refuses to rescind demolition order
Seun Shotunde, Abeokuta
The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) Ogun State chapter, on Sunday stepped into the crisis between former governor Gbenga Daniel and Incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun, urging them to put aside their differences.
It also threatens to institute legal action against Governor Dapo Abiodun if he doesn’t rescind his decision to demolish Daniels properties, including Asoludero court and Conference Hotel.
Recalled that Daniel and Abiodun had been engaged in war of words over plan demolition of the two properties, with the former accusing the latter of abusing power while Abiodun also fired back at Daniel insisting he should obey law as he was not bigger than the state.
CUPP ‘s Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, while addressing a Press Conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital, on Sunday, said that CUPP could not fold its arms and watch the two political bigwigs turn the state into anarchy, urging both parties to bury the hatchet.
Soluade, who cautioned Abiodun from allegedly persecution of Daniel over political differences, expressed shock that that the governor could conceive the idea of demolishing the former properties despite political assistance rendered to him in the build up to 2019 Governorship election in the state.
He condemned the action of Abiodun led government on the plan demolition of the properties of the two-term governor and a Senator serving in the state, stressing that such action was an attempt by Abiodun to weaken Daniel and hijack Ogun East Senatorial All Progressive Party(APC) ticket from him ahead the for 2027 election.
Soluade, who also doubles as the Chairman of African Democratic Congress(ADC) said that rather for the governor to engage in what he termed” political prosecution ” he should battle with Daniel at primary level to cling the ticket instead of engaging in political blackmail, intimidation and suspension of the latter over anti-party activities.
He expressed CUPU expressed disappointment on receiving the news of the plan demolition, wondering why the incumbent government could witch-hunt Daniel whom he described as ‘a leader and respected elder statesman’ in the state, calling on the citizens to reject any form of political bitterness and politics of vendata.
Soluade said “CUPP Ogun State Condemns Political Persecution of Otunba Gbenga Daniel: A Statesman Must Not Be Rubbished”
“Distinguished journalists, members of the fourth estate of the realm, ladies and gentlemen of the public,”
“Today we address you with heavy hearts but with firm conviction. What is happening in Ogun State is not only an insult to democracy but also an insult to the very soul of our people.”
“We have observed with shock and utter disappointment the deliberate victimization of His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) a two-term Governor of this state, a performing Senator of the Federal Republic, and a statesman of unmatched service to Ogun people.”
“The recent action by the Ogun State Government, marking OGD’s private residence and hotel for demolition, is nothing short of political persecution and a brazen attempt to destroy the legacy of a man who has given his all to this state.”
“Let us be clear: this is shameful, vindictive, and a dangerous abuse of power. Ogun State is not built on envy, hatred, or pettiness. Our politics must never descend into destruction of individuals simply because of political differences.”
“If the target is to weaken OGD politically or hijack his senatorial ticket, why not allow the people in your own party to freely decide through primaries? Why resort to cheap blackmail, intimidation, suspension, and disgraceful acts that were so embarrassing that the APC in the state within 24 hours stamped the suspension. What a show of shame!”
“CUPP in Ogun State stands boldly to say: this attempt to rubbish OGD is an attempt to rubbish the dignity of Ogun people. We will not sit down and watch while the present administration uses the machinery of government to witch-hunt a respected elder statesman.”
We therefore demand:That the Governor immediately rescind this reckless action; That Ogun people reject any form of politics of bitterness and destruction;That the dignity of our leaders be respected, regardless of party differences.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel is not just a politician; he is a builder, a mentor, and a leader whose contributions to Ogun State will stand the test of time. He deserves respect, not humiliation.”
“Let it be known that CUPP Ogun State will stand shoulder to shoulder with OGD. We will resist every attempt to silence him, to destroy him, or to erase his legacy. Democracy is about ideas, not demolition.”
“The present government must understand that power is transient, but history is permanent. No Governor, no matter how powerful, can rewrite the truth: OGD remains one of the finest leaders Ogun State has produced.”
“We say enough is enough! Ogun people will not tolerate politics of vendetta”.
“Despite Party difference, CUPP will always advocate for Fairness,Equity and Justice, for those God want to destroy,he first make their heart hardened,and repressive tendency that is the stock in trade in APC rulling party in OGUN STATE is becoming their death kneel and this given opportunity for other political parties to excel and provide alternative where civilization,probity, Fairness equity and justice prevail.”
“Lets Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration which is at its twilight note that CUPP will be ready to initiate a legal action or join Otunba Justus Gbenga Daniel in court if the need arrive before our dear State become a banana Republic.” he added.
