Politics
Adubutu Alleges Teachers Being Forced to Attend Yayi Political Meeting
has alleged that public school teachers in the state are being compelled
The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ladi Adebutu, has alleged that public school teachers in the state are being compelled to attend a political meeting with the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Adebutu’s Media Aide, Afolabi Orekoya, who condemned what he described as the “blatant politicisation” of the state’s education sector and civil service.
According to the statement, a memo circulating within the Ogun State public school system allegedly directed headteachers and teachers in both primary and secondary schools to attend a meeting with Adeola at the Alake Pavilion on August 3, 2026, under what it described as “statutory and administrative duties.”
The statement further alleged that the directive was issued by the Chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, and the State Chairman of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, AOPSHON, Alhaji Comrade Adeosun Tajudeen Adekunle, acting on a purported directive of the Executive Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB.
Condemning the development, Adebutu said there was “absolutely no statutory or administrative justification” for public school teachers and headteachers to be required to attend a meeting with a political candidate.
“The instruction for each branch to appear in unique attire for easy identification further exposes this gathering for what it truly is—a political jamboree and a forced solidarity parade, forcefully utilising our respected educators as political pawns,” the statement said.
The PDP candidate maintained that the Ogun State civil service, particularly the education sector, should remain insulated from partisan politics.
“Our teachers are nation-builders entrusted with the future of our children, not political foot soldiers to be marshalled at the whims of the ruling party. Coercing civil servants into attending political gatherings under the threat of administrative duty is illegal, unethical and highly oppressive,” the statement added.
Adebutu described the alleged development as “strange, draconian and condemnable,” urging the state education authorities to focus on improving the welfare of teachers, addressing infrastructure challenges in public schools and enhancing the quality of education.
He also appealed to teachers, headteachers and other civil servants to remain professional and not allow themselves to be intimidated.
“Your loyalty is to the State and the laws of the land, not to any individual’s political ambition,” the statement said.
Adebutu further stated that the people of Ogun State would continue to resist any attempt to involve public institutions in partisan political activities.
