Ladi Adebutu's Loss in 2023 Ogun Governorship Election Was A Calamity Averted Says Adekunle Akinlade.

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Had the Candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 gubernatorial elections of Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, secured the Governorship seat, the State would have faced a catastrophic reign of calamity, his former running mate, Adekunle Akinlade has boldly asserted during a media interaction in Abeokuta last weekend.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) News recalls that Adebutu and Akinlade had joined forces under the PDP banner for the March 18, 2023 elections, but they were ultimately defeated by the incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

Unwilling to concede, Adebutu pursued legal action against Abiodun, challenging the electoral outcome through a series of tribunals, culminating in an appeal to the Supreme Court. 

However, the highest court in the land upheld Abiodun's victory, extinguishing Adebutu’s hopes of overturning the result. Not long after the Supreme Court delivered its final ruling, a rift began to form between Adebutu and Akinlade, signaling the end of their alliance. 

In his Media interaction over the last weekend, Akinlade took time to reflect on the outcome, calling it a narrow escape for Ogun State.

Addressing the press in a speech titled, "Divine Power of Prayers That Averts Calamity," Akinlade recounted a moment during the PDP’s campaign when a local imam led a prayer, asking that God prevent their victory if it would bring harm and regression to the people of Ogun State. 

"We all said ‘Aameena,’” Akinlade recalled, before expressing his relief that divine intervention had spared the state. 

“In retrospect, I say, Alhamdulillahi that Allah shielded Ogun State from the impending disaster. Had it been Adebutu emerged victorious, it would have heralded a period of sadness and hardship for the citizens.”

In a dramatic turn, Akinlade, who had previously vied for the Governorship under the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in 2019 delved into a deeply personal critique of Adebutu’s character. 

He cast doubts and aspersions on Adebutu’s capacity to lead, describing his former colleague as mentally unfit and emotionally immature to hold the office of Governor. 

“Ladi is essentially a two-year-old child trapped in the body of a 62-year-old man,” Akinlade remarked caustically, adding, “This explains his erratic behavior, his impulse-driven decisions, and his penchant for crying crocodile tears while indulging in self-pity.”

Akinlade went on to question Adebutu’s financial autonomy, alleging that Adebutu’s elderly father still provides him with a weekly allowance, suggesting a deep-seated lack of competence. 

“Initially, I thought his father’s generosity was just an expression of love, but as I watched them more closely, it became clear that even his father knows Ladi is incapable of handling his own finances,” Akinlade asserted.

The former PDP deputy gubernatorial candidate also pointed out what he saw as a significant conflict of interest in Adebutu’s renewed ambition. 

Akinlade expressed astonishment that, immediately after the Supreme Court’s ruling, Adebutu announced his intention to contest again in 2027, despite the fact that Governor Dapo Abiodun who hails from the same hometown, Iperu-Remo, and belongs to the same political ward and local Government will be completing his second term by then. 

“No rational person, let alone someone of Adebutu’s age, would seek to take over from their own kinsman and brother, it just shows a complete lack of character and honor," Akinlade said.

In response to Akinlade’s scathing remarks, Adebutu’s media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, dismissed the accusations as nothing more than the bitter outbursts of an ungrateful opportunist. 

Orekoya refused to be drawn into what he called Akinlade’s “pettiness,” but promised that at an appropriate time, Adebutu’s camp would address the allegations fully. 

“Akinlade is nothing more than a drowning man clutching at straws. His behavior is regrettable, and it’s unfortunate that we didn’t heed the warnings about him before,” Orekoya said.

As tensions continue to simmer between the former political allies, the people of Ogun State are left to ponder the political dynamics that have shaped recent events and to watch closely how this evolving rivalry may impact the 2027 elections.