By Kayode Olopade
The Ogun State Government has dismissed as false and misleading a viral publication alleging that members of the State Executive Council routinely prostrate before Governor Dapo Abiodun whenever he is displeased with them.
The government, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described the report by a blog, Naijamixed, as a “malicious publication” designed to ridicule the Governor and create unnecessary tension in the state.
Akinmade said there had never been any instance where a commissioner or member of the Ogun State cabinet was compelled to prostrate before the Governor, insisting that the claim was a complete fabrication.
He also described as “ridiculous” the allegation that the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, engages in such a practice, saying the claim reflected the “reckless and irresponsible nature” of the publication.
According to the statement, the report distorted an earlier incident involving local government chairmen who had voluntarily appealed to Governor Abiodun following allegations raised by the former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Hon. Wale Adedayo, against the state government.
The government explained that the chairmen, in line with Yoruba cultural tradition, prostrated while appealing for forgiveness on behalf of their colleague, stressing that the gesture was neither demanded nor encouraged by the Governor.
“The gesture was entirely voluntary. At no time did Governor Abiodun request, direct or encourage anyone to prostrate before him,” the statement added.
The government further noted that the allegations made by Adedayo had been investigated by the Ogun State House of Assembly, while the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) confirmed that local government funds were disbursed through the statutory process.
It added that the state government had on several occasions supported local government administrations financially to enable them meet their obligations.
Akinmade faulted the decision by the blog to revive the old incident years later and present it in a different context, describing the move as an attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Governor.
He urged residents to disregard the report and rely on credible sources of information, while calling on relevant security agencies to investigate the source of what he described as an inflammatory publication.
The Ogun State Government, however, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and constructive engagement with the media in the interest of peace and development in the state.
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