The political tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new dimension following fresh accounts of how former governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel (OGD), was allegedly blocked from a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu Ode.*
The incident occurred yesterday at the Adeola Odutola Hall during a crucial political gathering. Former Ijebu North East Local Government Chairman, Otunba Tayo Onayemi, has now given a detailed eyewitness account of what transpired. His narration has further deepened the controversy surrounding the meeting outcome.
Speaking on Sabenko, a Yoruba-Speaking political and public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, Otunba Tayo Onayemi said he was physically present at the venue and arrived early at the hall.
According to him, “I was the second person to enter the Adeola Odutola Hall and everything was already arranged according to the status of dignitaries.” He explained that he attended in his capacity as Deputy Director-General of the OGD Movement in the Ijebu axis. “My duty there was to coordinate and direct our people,” he stated.
He added that he met other political actors including Comrade Dele Giwa at the entrance. Onayemi insisted that the environment was already tense before the meeting fully began. He said the structure of seating and entry arrangements reflected political hierarchy. “It was already obvious something sensitive was happening,” he noted.
CLAIMS OF EXCLUSION OF OGD
Onayemi alleged that he was informed at the venue that OGD would not be allowed into the hall. He said the information was conveyed by Honorable Tunde Diya, Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government. According to him, Diya reportedly stated that “the gathering belongs to Governor Dapo Abiodun.” He said he immediately challenged the claim, insisting that OGD remains a “reputable political leader.”
Onayemi questioned the legitimacy of excluding a serving senator from a stakeholders’ meeting. He said, “OGD is not a stranger in Ogun politics.” He added that political inclusion should be prioritized over personal or factional interests. He maintained that exclusion only deepens internal party divisions.
“WE BUILT THIS STRUCTURE” – ONAYEMI
The former council chairman stressed his historical involvement in Ogun politics. He said, “We were the frontline people God used to build this political structure.” He recalled their role in the December 6, 1998 political transition. “We fought from the military era to establish what we now call democracy,” he added.
Onayemi further questioned the authority of some current political actors. “Where was Diya then when we were building this foundation?” he asked. He insisted that political legitimacy must be rooted in history and contribution. He argued that experience should not be dismissed in internal party decisions.
Onayemi also revisited the emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2018. He claimed he and Engineer Habeeb Aregbe played roles in mobilization efforts. According to him, the governor’s mother played a key coordinating role during the election period. “We did not even know Dapo Abiodun personally then; it was his mother we knew,” he said.
He further claimed he participated in last-minute mobilization efforts ahead of the election. He said political coordination at the time involved multiple grassroots actors. He added that some current political leaders were also beneficiaries of those efforts. “We worked for the system collectively,” he stated.
CLAIMS OF GATE BLOCKAGE AGAINST OGD
Onayemi alleged that about 40 minutes into the meeting, news broke that OGD had been denied entry. He said he heard remarks suggesting that OGD was “still dragging senatorial ambition after eight years.” He described the comments as disrespectful and politically motivated. He insisted that exclusion was deliberate.
He said he immediately contacted OGD to confirm the situation. “I called him and he confirmed he was outside,” Onayemi stated. He added that the situation created confusion among attendees. He described it as “unfortunate for democracy.”
ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION
Onayemi said he attempted to clarify the situation with another political figure identified as Biyi. He claimed Biyi admitted that OGD was nearby but could not be allowed inside. According to him, he was instructed to meet OGD outside the venue. He described the instruction as politically uncomfortable.
He alleged that security operatives were later instructed to escort him out of the hall. “They called about three security men to lead me out,” he said. He claimed this was done abruptly and without proper explanation. He described the experience as humiliating.
Onayemi further alleged that an alternative exit route was opened for him. He said the route was not the main gate where OGD was stationed. “It was like an escape route,” he said. He added that the arrangement was deliberate to avoid confrontation.
He described the situation as unprecedented in his political experience. “Even during the military era, I never saw this kind of thing,” he said. He insisted that the handling of the situation was politically insensitive. He warned that such actions could worsen party divisions.
*DENIAL OF SUSPENSION CLAIMS*
Onayemi firmly dismissed claims that OGD had been suspended from the APC. He said, “There is nothing like suspension for OGD.” He referenced alleged clarification from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). “Even Abuja has said there is no suspension,” he added.
He argued that OGD remains a key stakeholder in Ogun politics. He insisted that any disciplinary process must follow due procedure. He maintained that rumours of suspension were politically motivated. He described them as “baseless and misleading.”
PARTY ENDORSEMENT CONTROVERSY
Onayemi also reacted to the endorsement of Governor Abiodun as consensus candidate. He said such decisions must follow party rules. “There is nothing like endorsement outside primaries or consensus,” he stated. He insisted that due process must be respected.
He added that Senator Daniel was previously seated at similar party events without restriction. He said, “It was a party gathering, not a personal meeting.” He argued that selective exclusion weakens party unity. He warned against turning internal democracy into factional control.
Meanwhile, Onayemi emphasized that democracy allows free participation of aspirants. “Everybody is free to contest without intimidation,” he said. He argued that political structures must be inclusive. He insisted that consensus cannot be imposed.
He called for strict adherence to party constitution. He said political actors must respect internal rules. He warned that deviation could lead to instability. He described democracy as “rule-based, not personality-driven.”
HISTORICAL POLITICAL REFERENCE
He further referenced the evolution of political parties in Nigeria, tracing alliances involving President Bola Tinubu. He said, “We started with AD, moved through AC, ACN and now APC.” He described political evolution as continuous and strategic. He insisted that party loyalty must be respected.
He added that political elders played major roles in shaping present structures. He said decisions taken in the past still influence present alignments. He emphasized unity across factions. He warned against rewriting political history.
REACTION FROM CALLERS
During the programme, callers expressed mixed reactions to the controversy. Chief Afefeowo from Ijebu-Ife said OGD remains widely respected across political lines. He added that politicians often settle disputes privately after public disagreements. He urged restraint in public commentary.
Another caller, Sulaiman Adetunji from Ijebu-Ode, accused Governor Abiodun of abuse of power. He argued that political authority must not override party rules. He called for fairness and internal democracy. He warned against intimidation of rivals.
*FINAL RESPONSE FROM ONAYEMI*
Responding to callers, Onayemi said party rules must guide political conduct. He stated, “There are limits to how power is used in politics.” He added that politicians must respect the electorate. He insisted that “politicians fear the people more than themselves.”
He concluded by calling for peace within the APC in Ogun State. He urged reconciliation among stakeholders. He warned that continued crisis could weaken the party ahead of future elections. He reaffirmed that unity remains the only path forward for stability in Ogun politics.
