Why Gov Abiodun’s Loyalists Are Not Defending Him

Thursday, June 2, 2022 – the Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun got “resounding verbal hiding” from his political godfatherAsiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu, a forerunner in the race to determine the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election was in Abeokuta, Ogun State as part of the tail end of his statewide consultation with his party’s delegates.

Tinubu in the course of unusual revelations used the condescending Yoruba descriptive word “Eleyi” (this one) for the number one citizen of Ogun state in telling how the latter emerged Governor.

“Eleyi to joke leyin me, Dapo, so wa le so pe ohun le dadi governor ti koba se mi ati olohun” (This one sitting behind me, Dapo, could he have become a Governor on his own if not for myself and God.) the presidential aspirant stated pointing at Governor Abiodun.

Tinubu’s action which has been explained as a reaction to Abiodun allegedly “disparaging” the former’s contribution to his emergence as the Governor of Ogun State, in support of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Osinbajo who is also hunting for the APC presidential ticket against the direct interest of his political leader, Asiwaju Tinubu was in Ogun State in April to canvass for the support of delegates.

Governor Abiodun reportedly made comments that downplayed the influence of Tinubu and outrightly credited Osinbajo with helping him to power.

“It was Abiodun’s action in April that earned him the verbal hiding by Tinubu in June” SocietyNow.Ng gathered.

The ‘Eleyi” verbal hiding has, however, taken a life of its own and turned into a campaign of unpleasantries against the Governor of Ogun State.

Interestingly SocietyNow.Ng’s checks revealed Abiodun’s loyalists and known supporters on social media have kept mute in the face of the unfavorable.

“Because Tinubu still holds the ace, the control of the Yayi structure that Abiodun leans on like never before is with Tinubu and the very valuable players within his Government are beholden to the Presidential aspirant” SocietyNow.Ng gathered.

The Yayi structure is held in trust for Tinubu by one of his favored political sons Senator Olamilekan Solomon better known as Yayi, the Lagos Senator who just picked the APC senatorial ticket for Ogun West.

It was the political structure that was used to introduce Abiodun to the Ogun state gubernatorial contest in 2019 and also used to negotiate alliances with other political leaders against the efforts of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun to install a successor of his choice.

“The members of the Yayi structure ended up taking up the highest number of appointments in Abiodun’s government to the anger of others but remain loyal to their real principal Solomon Adeola. They understand where the real power is and that is why they are silent, you won’t ever see them abuse Tinubu on behalf of Abiodun.” SocietyNow.Ng learned.

Added revelation has it that particularly keeping Abiodun’s loyalists mute is the fear of putting the Governor’s second-term ambition at risk.

“Abiodun came to power on borrowed political structures in the name of alliances. Since he became Governor a lot of water has passed under the bridge and the bond of the alliance has been weakened by claims of unfulfilled promises and the likes.It has turned into a cosmetic alliance and Tinubu’s action has exposed how much ground Abiodun has gained in creating true followers and a possible death knell for what remains of the old alliance. So, for Abiodun and his loyalists, this is a time to tread with care as the opposition within and outside the party watch to pounce and take major gains” SocietyNow.Ng gathered.