OGUN CUPP RESPONDS TO VERBAL ATTACK BY GOVERNOR'S MEDIA AIDE, KAYODE AKINMADE

The Ogun State Chapter of the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP), under the leadership of Otunba Dr. Femi Sholuade (PhD), Fellow BAU, is compelled to address the unwarranted and insulting remarks by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy.

It is disheartening that instead of addressing the serious governance issues we raised, Akinmade resorted to name-calling, labeling us as "political jobbers." This diversionary tactic is an affront to the intelligence of the good people of Ogun State and an attempt to deflect from the maladministration and failures of Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration.

AKINMADE’S LACK OF LOCUS STANDI

We must clarify that Akinmade, an indigene of Ondo State, lacks the moral and political standing to speak on Ogun State affairs. His appointment as Special Adviser is not only a disservice to Ogun indigenes but also a reflection of the governor's disregard for the wealth of competent individuals within our state.

Akinmade’s descent from serving as a two-term Commissioner for Information in Ondo State to a Special Adviser role in Ogun is a clear step backward. His inability to provide substantive responses to our concerns further underscores his unsuitability for the position.

QUESTIONS THE GOVERNMENT MUST ANSWER

For clarity, we reiterate the critical issues raised by CUPP, which the governor's spokesperson has failed to address:

1. Transparency in Contracts:

Name the contractors awarded various projects.

Provide evidence of payments made to these contractors.

Publish certificates of incorporation and proof of competence for these contractors.

Disclose the advertisements and bidding processes for these contracts.

2. Neglect of Infrastructure:

Why are major roads in Ogun State, including the state capital, in deplorable conditions?

Why are quacks and unqualified individuals awarded contracts without due process?

3. Failure in Governance:

What steps is the government taking to address the 68.1% multidimensional poverty rate in Ogun State?

Why has the administration failed to implement sustainable power solutions, leaving the state in darkness?

4. Mismanagement in Housing Projects:

Provide detailed information on the beneficiaries and payment records for the following housing schemes:

GRA Regeneration Scheme, Abeokuta

PMB Housing Estates in Kobape and other listed estates

OUR ACTIONS MOVING FORWARD

As a responsible opposition, the CUPP has engaged MUS Partners Legal Practitioners & Consultants to demand transparency under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. We expect the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Housing to provide all requested documents within seven (7) days.

We are also escalating these issues to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Contractors who have abandoned projects after receiving government funds will be held accountable, and we are prepared to pursue legal action against the administration’s unethical practices.

A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration owe the people of Ogun State answers, not distractions. The mismanagement, lack of due process, and insensitivity to the plight of the citizens are unacceptable.

The CUPP remains steadfast in its commitment to hold this administration accountable and to ensure that the people of Ogun State are no longer subjected to institutionalized economic hardship and neglect.

A CALL FOR CHANGE IN 2027

The APC-led administration has failed Ogun State in all ramifications. As we approach 2027, the CUPP assures the people of Ogun State of a better alternative—one rooted in transparency, competence, and genuine development.

Signed,

Otunba Dr. Femi Sholuade (PhD)

Chairman, Ogun State CUPP

January 15, 2025

 

 Alagba Debunks Shekoni’s Removal As Elemo Secretary

Says: ‘Action Is Total Nullity’

In a twist of event, the Family Head (Olori Ebi) of Ojo Orisadeko Asalu-Elemo Royal Family, Prince Monsurudeen Agbabiaka (a.k.a Alagba) has debunked the removal of Prince Abiodun Olakunle Shekoni as the secretary of the family describing it as an exercise in futility.

In a letter dated 13^th January, 2025 addressed to Prince Shekoni, the family- owners of the vast lands in Ajao Estate and Mafoluku purportedly communicated its decision to relieve Prince Shekoni of his position as family secretary.

In the letter (copy of which was obtained by The Snoop, the family said it was compelled to take the action following Shekoni’s continued refusal to acknowledge or respond to letters dated 23^rd December 2024 and 30^th December 2024 sent to him to give a comprehensive report of his account of stewardship on the family’s financial accounts, court cases and property utilization.

But in a swift reaction, Prince Agbabiaka said those behind the purported removal of Prince Shekoni lack the authority to carry out their action. “Their action is dead on arrival; it is a total nullity,” Alagba declared.

“I am the Olori Ebi of Ojo Orisadeko Asalu-Elemo Royal Family. Hence, I am the custodian authority to take such decision in consultation with the four attorneys and the general meeting of the Elemo Royal Family. We know those behind this. Baale Mafoluku Ilemo, Chief Dayo Thomas has no constitutional and moral right to call for the removal of the family secretary, let alone preside over a family meeting which in the first place smacks of hypocrisy and deceit,” he said.

Continuing, Alagba added: “Dayo is desperate and very soon we shall expose him for his desperation. He is calling for Shekoni’s removal to decimate his chances of becoming the new Osolo. We know who he’s supporting thinking that when Shekoni is out of the way, he has a strong chance of being crowned the Oba of Mafoluku but it doesn’t have to be that way because we are all from the same family. But he would fail on his desperation mission because he won’t succeed. We also heard he’s planning to change the family attorneys but what he fails to realize is that those attorneys have been gazetted by the government. What you do is to substitute them when anyone of them dies. You cannot change them totally.

“Besides, what he’s doing amount to a coup and he shall be viewed accordingly as a coup plotter. You cannot remove anyone in the family when you are not the Olori Ebi. We supported him to become the Baale and now he’s biting the fingers that fed him, he won’t succeed.”

When reminded Baale Adedayo Thomas is the Deputy Chairman of the family, Alagba snapped. “That position is inconsequential because it is an honorary position. He cannot be bigger than the Olori Ebi who is the custodian authority of the family,” says Prince Agbabiaka.

According to Alagba, the coup plot against Prince Shekoni was predetermined to serve a selfish interest. “Everybody knows Isolo is the venue of the family’s regular meetings. Why was the meeting held outside Isolo and why was I not invited to that meeting. They knew their plan would not succeed with me around but their plan would not work,” he intoned.

     

  

 

 How Sanwo-olu Orchestrated Obasa’s Impeachment Plot

Despite repeated denials, Gov. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-olu is the central character in the impeachment plot that ousted former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

Information at The Snoop disposal has revealed that the governor was actually the main man that pulled the strings which consumed the former controversial speaker after getting tacit approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.

Sources close to the Alausa seat of power revealed that in the face of provocation and embarrassment meted out to him by the controversial lawmaker, the governor remained calm, waiting for the most auspicious time to strike.

Indeed, the frosty relationship between the two has remained a public knowledge. Since his ascension to the assembly leadership seat in 2015, Obasa has never hidden his ambition to become the state governor someday.

His confrontational stance against Sanwo-olu and the state executives particularly on political matters has become a source of concern for the political class and indeed the ruling APC in the state.

Obasa’s litany of sins, however, got to a head following the controversial 2024 Lagos State Local Council Administration Laws which seeks to conduct council elections in only 20 local governments in the state.

A visibly upset President Tinubu did not only scolded the former speaker during a recent meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) members but appears to have led him to the slaughter’s slab as Gov. Sanwo-olu reportedly seized the occasion to orchestrate the grand plot for Obasa’s removal.

However, the coup against Obasa, according, to sources was hatched on 20^th November 2024 when Obasa kept the governor, party leaders and other important dignitaries waiting for more than five hours for the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly.

As if that was not enough, the former speaker did not offer apology to the governor and other dignitaries upon his eventual arrival at the Assembly. But while the governor and his delegation waited, there was enough time for him to reach out to other lawmakers about the need for a change of guard in the House leadership. He enjoined the lawmakers to show allegiance to only their constituents and party leaders noting that nobody in the house could guarantee their return at the end of the current legislative term

There and then it was discovered the governor’s previous largesse of N200m to the House at the last budget presentation did not trickle down as expected. Hence, the governor reportedly promised to reach out to them individually this time around.

Consequently, the governor was said to have doled out $20,000 each to the lawmakers while also promising other goodies in the days to come.

This development, therefore, prompted the decision to pull the rug from Obasa’s groping feet for lack of trust and confidence. They all resolved to intimate party leaders in their respective constituencies of the planned impeachment.

On his part, Gov. Sanwo-olu had ensured he had gotten the support of the influential members of the GAC and the generality of the party leadership at the state level before his onslaught against the former speaker.

Obasa thus became the first House of Assembly Speaker to be impeached in the legislative history of the state.

 

 Asalu-Elemo Sacks Prince Biodun Shekoni As Family Secretary

A top contender to the vacant Osolo throne, Prince Abiodun Olakunle Shekoni has been removed as the secretary of the Ojo Orisadeko Asalu-Elemo Royal Family over alleged failure to render account of stewardship.

In a letter dated 13^th January, 2025 addressed to Prince Shekoni, the family- owners of the vast lands in Ajao Estate and Mafoluku communicated its decision to relieve him of his position as family secretary.

In the letter (copy of which was obtained by The Snoop) the family said it was compelled to take the action following Shekoni’s continued refusal to acknowledge or respond to letters dated 23^rd December 2024 and 30^th December 2024 sent to him to give a comprehensive report of his account of stewardship on the family’s financial accounts, court cases and property utilization.

The family under the leadership of the Oloworo of Oworo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Saliu and Baale Mafoluku Asalu-Elemo of Ilemo Land, High Chief Adedayo Thomas (PhD) reportedly issued a reminder on Monday 30^th December, 2024 after the expiration of 7 days’ Notice. Yet, the Isolo prince did not comply with the directive issued to him.

Consequently, the family reportedly conveyed a meeting of the Elders Council which eventually decided to summoned a general meeting which held on the 12^th of January 2025 where the decision to relieve Shekoni of his position was eventually taken.

He was replaced by Sadiq Ibrahim who was unanimously nominated in acting capacity as the new family secretary.

Shekoni was directed to hand over all family properties and documents in his custody to the new scribe.

For full effect of the new development, the family has therefore forwarded separate letters of notification to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Area Commander, Mushin, DPOs Ajao Estate and Mafoluku as well as the Family Lawyer, Prof. Kasumu and the family Surveyor, Svr. Orogbangba.     

Attempt to get across to Prince Shekoni for his reaction was not successful as his official line was said to be non-existent while calls to his other phone line was left unanswered just as text message sent to him was not responded to as at press time.

 

 

 

 

 

Tension Mounts In Isolo Justice Forum

. As Group Imposes Exorbitant Levies On Council Election Aspirants

There is palpable tension in the ranks of Isolo LCDA chapter of the Justice Forum (JF) ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

The Snoop exclusively gathered that the reason for the uneasiness within the group is not unconnected with the decision to impose levies on intending aspirants for elective positions in the forthcoming local government elections.

In a message posted on its official WhatsApp platform, the group invites aspiring members applying for the position of council chairman and councilors from the various political wards to do so by applying through the group’s Chief Point Man (CPM), Pastor Funmi Dawodu.

The application is to be accompanied with a cheque deposit in the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (N750, 000) for the position of council chairman while those aspiring for councillorship positions are expected to pay Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000) only. Payment is expected to be made before the deadline date of 18^th January 2025.

Expectedly, the imposition of levies has been greeted with caustic remarks as majority of members and aspirants are up in arms with the group’s leadership for imposing such exorbitant fees.

While some sources claim the levies were imposed in order to reduce the number of the aspirants, others were quick to add that the levies were ostensibly designed to favour some aspirants over others.

The development has therefore become a thorny issue among the leadership of the group as some influential leaders are reportedly kicking against the levies. “It is detrimental to the collective goal of the group because it would become counter-productive. We cannot over-burden the aspirants now that the party is yet to come out with its own guidelines. Besides, such high fees heighten expectation of the aspirants who are most likely to heap so much pressure on the group,” an impeccable source told our reporter in confidence.

He added: “It is not a done deal for Justice Forum yet because we have to factor in the interest of other groups if we are determined to present a united front in the forthcoming elections. It cannot be business as usual. We must come to a round table with the other groups to mobilize our party members for the election if we must present an all-inclusive front.”  

  However, another source told our reporter that financial strain is responsible for the imposition of the levy. “The group is faced with lack of funds to execute some of our programmes and we don’t want to be relying on anybody. So, we have to device a way to raise money,” says our source.  

Meanwhile, it appears the group leadership is confronted with a herculean task of picking an acceptable choice among five aspirants reported to be jostling for the council chairmanship seat from the group. Those rumored to be eyeing the exalted seat include the current Vice Chairman, Hon. Shakirudeen Adeola Sadiq; the current SLG, Hon. Sikiru Adeshina (a.k.a Current); the APC State Auditor, Hon Doyin Pikuda; former Woman Leader, Hon Bisola Adepena and Princess Olateru Olagbegi.

However, only Current is said to have paid the mandatory levy as at the time of filling this report. Others are reportedly exercising restraint as they are said to be looking for assurances from the group’s leadership of their eventual selection before committing such amount.

To this end, all eyes are on the Apex Leader of the group, Barr. Dele Ajomale who wields enormous authority in choosing the eventual candidate of the group. But some aspirants are using their relationship with close aides of the Apex Leader to influence the final outcome of the group’s screening exercise.

Those being lobbied include the chairman of the screening panel, Hon. (Mrs) Modupe Mary Oseghale, Alhaji Mukaila Ajao (Milanco) and Otunba Jide Oni.