Sponsored Plan To Embarrass Abeokuta North LGA Chairman By Councillors And Leaders Loyal To A Governorship Aspirant In Ogun Leaked
By Our Correspondent
Abeokuta
A purported plan by some councillors and political leaders in Abeokuta North Local Government Area (LGA) to embarrass the Executive Chairman, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has reportedly been uncovered, raising concerns over a looming political crisis in the council.
According to information made available to this newspaper by multiple sources within the council, the alleged plot—said to be sponsored by political actors loyal to a governorship aspirant—is aimed at destabilising the local government administration ahead of the coming weeks.
Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo, who has been widely described by party stakeholders and residents as one of the best-performing local government chairmen in Ogun State, is believed to have become a target due to his perceived loyalty to Governor Dapo Abiodun and his refusal to align with rival political interests.
Sources allege that the plot is being driven by dissatisfaction among some councillors and their political backers, who accuse the chairman of not providing “Owo Odun” (end-of-year largesse) and failing to support their preferred political cause. The sources further claim that resentment has been fueled by the belief that the council’s party leadership, under APC Chairman Alhaja Faidat Akintunde Sarumi, exerts significant influence over local government affairs.
A serving councillor, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions had taken place among some councillors regarding actions that could publicly embarrass the chairman. However, the councillor stressed that not all elected representatives support the move.
“The chairman has actually done more than many of his predecessors,” the councillor said. “He provides monthly support to councillors and has allowed us to execute constituency projects—something that has never happened before in this local government. Unfortunately, some people are acting on external instructions and are determined to cause trouble.”
Further findings suggest that financial expectations may also be at the heart of the discontent, with some councillors allegedly pushing for increased personal benefits from the council leadership.
Political observers warn that if not urgently addressed, the situation could degenerate into a full-blown crisis similar to what occurred in Ota Local Government, where councillors suspended and later impeached the chairman before state intervention restored order.
In light of these developments, stakeholders are calling on key state officials—including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat; the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; APC State Organising Secretary, Hon. Yemi Adelani; and the party chairman, Alhaja Faidat Akintunde Sarumi—to intervene swiftly to forestall any disruption of governance at the grassroots.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Abeokuta North Local Government or the councillors allegedly involved in the plot.
This newspaper will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
By Our Correspondent
Abeokuta
A purported plan by some councillors and political leaders in Abeokuta North Local Government Area (LGA) to embarrass the Executive Chairman, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has reportedly been uncovered, raising concerns over a looming political crisis in the council.
According to information made available to this newspaper by multiple sources within the council, the alleged plot—said to be sponsored by political actors loyal to a governorship aspirant—is aimed at destabilising the local government administration ahead of the coming weeks.
Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo, who has been widely described by party stakeholders and residents as one of the best-performing local government chairmen in Ogun State, is believed to have become a target due to his perceived loyalty to Governor Dapo Abiodun and his refusal to align with rival political interests.
Sources allege that the plot is being driven by dissatisfaction among some councillors and their political backers, who accuse the chairman of not providing “Owo Odun” (end-of-year largesse) and failing to support their preferred political cause. The sources further claim that resentment has been fueled by the belief that the council’s party leadership, under APC Chairman Alhaja Faidat Akintunde Sarumi, exerts significant influence over local government affairs.
A serving councillor, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions had taken place among some councillors regarding actions that could publicly embarrass the chairman. However, the councillor stressed that not all elected representatives support the move.
“The chairman has actually done more than many of his predecessors,” the councillor said. “He provides monthly support to councillors and has allowed us to execute constituency projects—something that has never happened before in this local government. Unfortunately, some people are acting on external instructions and are determined to cause trouble.”
Further findings suggest that financial expectations may also be at the heart of the discontent, with some councillors allegedly pushing for increased personal benefits from the council leadership.
Political observers warn that if not urgently addressed, the situation could degenerate into a full-blown crisis similar to what occurred in Ota Local Government, where councillors suspended and later impeached the chairman before state intervention restored order.
In light of these developments, stakeholders are calling on key state officials—including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat; the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; APC State Organising Secretary, Hon. Yemi Adelani; and the party chairman, Alhaja Faidat Akintunde Sarumi—to intervene swiftly to forestall any disruption of governance at the grassroots.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Abeokuta North Local Government or the councillors allegedly involved in the plot.
This newspaper will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
