The Ogun State Government on Saturday sealed the Omo’ilu Foundation Complex in Ijebu-Igbo, the venue designated for an empowerment programme organised by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District. The closure occurred less than 24 hours before the event, heightening the political tension between the state’s former governor and the incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The complex, situated on Adeboye Road in Ijebu-Igbo, had been scheduled to host beneficiaries from Ijebu North Local Government. However, government officials reportedly arrived at the facility on Saturday morning and sealed it off without prior notice to the organisers.
The action immediately drew criticism from stakeholders, including a national leader of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Comrade Adesina Akinpelu, who described the government’s decision as unnecessary and detrimental to the welfare of the people of Ogun East.
Speaking with journalists, Akinpelu said it was “unfortunate” that political rivalry was being allowed to interfere with programmes aimed at supporting residents.
“This action is a clear demonstration of the government’s insensitivity to the plight of the people,” he said. “Senator Daniel’s empowerment programme is designed to uplift lives, yet the government appears more interested in frustrating a noble initiative for political reasons.”
He called on the state government to unseal the venue and allow the event to proceed, insisting that the needs of the people should take precedence over political disagreements.
“The people of Ogun East are suffering and require every form of support they can get. Politicians must begin to place public interest above personal ambitions,” Akinpelu added.
He further warned that residents of Ogun East and the wider state were paying close attention to the unfolding situation and would express their displeasure at the polls if necessary.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Government has not issued an official statement on the closure.
