The Ogun State Chapter of the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP), led by Otunba Dr. Femi Sholuade, has criticized Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, for his alleged verbal attack on the coalition.
In a press statement issued and signed by Chairman, Ogun State CUPP, Otunba Dr. Femi Sholuade,on Thursday, the CUPP described Akinmade’s remarks as a diversionary tactic designed to sidestep serious governance issues affecting the people of Ogun State.
The coalition accused Akinmade of labeling them as “political jobbers” instead of addressing their concerns over alleged maladministration in the state.
The CUPP questioned Akinmade’s competence and relevance in Ogun State governance, stating that his appointment was an affront to the state’s qualified indigenes.
It described his transition from a two-term Commissioner for Information in Ondo State to a media adviser role in Ogun as a “step backward,” accusing him of failing to provide substantive responses to their demands for accountability.
Highlighting its grievances, the coalition reiterated several key governance concerns it claimed Akinmade and the state government have ignored:
On Transparency in Contracts, the coalition demanded the publication of contractors’ names, payment records, and proof of their competence.
It also called for evidence of advertisements and bidding processes for all awarded contracts.
On the alleged neglect of Infrastructure, CUPP questioned why major roads across the state remain in deplorable conditions.
It accused the administration of awarding contracts to unqualified individuals without due process.
On the allegation of poverty and power challenges, the coalition demanded an explanation for Ogun’s 68.1% multidimensional poverty rate.
It criticized the government’s failure to provide sustainable power solutions, leaving the state in darkness.
On the alleged mismanagement of housing projects, CUPP requested detailed information on the beneficiaries and payment records of housing schemes, including the GRA Regeneration Scheme in Abeokuta and PMB Housing Estates in Kobape.
Speaking on the next step, the coalition announced it has engaged MUS Partners Legal Practitioners & Consultants to invoke the Freedom of Information Act and demand transparency from the Ministries of Finance and Housing.
It warned that failure to provide the requested documents within seven days would prompt escalation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“We are committed to holding contractors accountable for abandoned projects funded by taxpayers’ money,” the statement read.
Accusing the Dapo Abiodun-led administration of institutionalized economic hardship and mismanagement, CUPP called on the government to address its alleged failures in governance.
The coalition urged the state to prioritize transparency and deliver on its promises to Ogun residents.
The CUPP assured Ogun citizens of a credible alternative in the 2027 elections, pledging to offer a government anchored on competence, transparency, and genuine development.
The Press Statement ;
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
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