The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lashed out at Governor Dapo Abiodun over what it described as the “blatant exclusion” of Ogun West and the Ijebu axis of Ogun East from the hosting of the upcoming National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2025.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, and made available to PLATFORM TIMES on Sunday, the opposition party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of promoting regional bias and deepening lines of marginalisation through the lopsided distribution of festival venues.
According to the PDP, none of the events scheduled for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival will take place in the five local government areas of Ogun West — namely Ado-Odo/Ota, Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, and Imeko-Afon — despite the presence of existing sports facilities like the Ilaro Stadium.
The party also decried what it called the “near-zero involvement” of the Ijebu axis, pointing out that only hockey has been allotted to the entire Ijebu region, which includes the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.
“This deliberate omission not only reeks of regional bias, but further deepens the lines of marginalisation, division, and inequality in a state that ought to thrive on unity and inclusiveness,” the statement read in part.
The PDP recalled the 2006 edition of the Gateway Games under the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, during which all senatorial zones of the state were included in the hosting plan — a model the party says promoted a genuine sense of belonging.
“In contrast, under Governor Abiodun, only Abeokuta and his native Remo axis are enjoying the lion’s share of state-funded infrastructure and sports investments,” the party alleged, citing ongoing developments at the MKO Abiola Stadium in the state capital.
The statement also questioned the rationale behind ignoring existing stadiums in Ilaro and Ijebu-Ode, despite their functionality and prior use in hosting major events.
The PDP further accused the state government of allocating millions of naira to sports associations and infrastructure projects in selected areas while leaving others behind.
“It is both shocking and unacceptable,” the party said, “that entire regions with strong sporting heritage are being treated as afterthoughts.”
The opposition party also criticised the silence of political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders from the affected regions, urging them to rise above partisanship and defend the interests of their people.
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, the PDP called on the people of Ogun West and Ijebu to take note of the perceived injustice and hold the Abiodun administration accountable.
“The Gateway Games should be a symbol of unity, not a tool for political exclusion,” the statement concluded. “The people of Ogun West and the Ijebu zone deserve more – and they will not be silent.”
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