Former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Wale Adedayo, has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of running a “visionless” administration and diverting funds meant for local councils, warning that the governor could face prosecution if President Bola Tinubu wins a second term.
Adedayo, speaking in an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5FM, said mismanagement of local government funds has crippled grassroots development across the state.
“Politics. The President wants a second term. Once he gets it, at least ten governors will go to jail for mismanaging local government funds,” he said.
When asked if that included Abiodun, he replied, “Yes. Any state not giving money to local governments should be ready.”
Currently standing trial in a Chief Magistrate Court in Abeokuta following his impeachment, Adedayo described the withholding of council allocations as a major obstacle to infrastructure and job creation in Ogun State.
He criticised the state government for failing to leverage Ogun’s economic potential.
“We have a visionless government. By now, there should be at least four or five cocoa processing factories in my local government. Instead, we export raw cocoa when we could be producing chocolate here,” he said.
Adedayo also dismissed claims of industrial growth in Ijebu, Ijebu Igbo, Waterside, and Odogbolu, and mocked the government’s practice of seeking foreign investors instead of relying on local expertise.
“If you must travel abroad to look for investors in a rural environment, your brain needs to be examined,” he said, urging engagement with local universities for practical industrial plans.
He blamed successive governments for losing the Dangote refinery project, which was originally proposed for Ogun State but relocated to Epe, Lagos.
“The refinery was supposed to start here. The polytechnic nearby was built to serve it, but the project died. Imagine the jobs that could have been created,” he lamented.
Adedayo also highlighted the untapped bitumen and crude oil deposits in Ijebu as another missed opportunity for economic growth.
Despite his feud with the governor, Adedayo reaffirmed loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, accusing Abiodun of attempting to edge Daniel out ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The governor wants to go to the Senate while Daniel seeks a second term. In popularity, there’s no comparison in Ogun East,” he said.
He said his impeachment was politically motivated, stemming from his efforts to expose the diversion of local government funds, likening his actions to whistleblowing and journalism.
“As a journalist, I used to criticize politicians who failed to deliver. It would be hypocrisy to act otherwise in office. You must walk your talk,” he said.
Adedayo stressed that meaningful development requires empowered local councils.
“Whatever you do at the center, if the local government is not working, you are wasting your time. The closest government to the people is the local government,” he said, adding that local empowerment would reduce crime and unemployment.
He reiterated support for the creation of Ijebu State, claiming it could surpass Lagos in development within two decades.
“If we have Ijebu State today, within twenty years Lagos will be looking at us in front,” he said, urging residents to hold representatives accountable rather than blaming outsiders.
Adedayo concluded that Ogun’s progress has been stunted by corruption, fear, and lack of vision, calling for bold leadership, transparency, and a grassroots-driven approach.
“Until we appreciate what local government truly means, we will remain where we are. Once the President enforces local government autonomy, many governors will have to face the law,” he said.
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