The Ogun State Government has strongly dismissed a widely circulating report alleging that Governor Dapo Abiodun forces members of the State Executive Council to prostrate before him as a form of appeasement whenever he is displeased.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The government characterized the publication, which originated from a blog, as “malicious propaganda” and a clear attempt to mislead the public. In a formal statement issued by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, the administration flatly denied the claims.

Key Points of the Government’s Rebuttal:

• Total Fabrication: Akinmade stated unequivocally, “The claim that members of the Ogun State Executive Council routinely prostrate before Governor Dapo Abiodun whenever he is displeased with them is a complete fabrication.“

• No Such Incidents: He emphasized that no commissioner or cabinet member has ever been required to perform such an action, nor has any such incident taken place.

• Deputy Governor Included: The statement also dismissed the specific allegation that the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has been subjected to this practice as “ridiculous.“

• Irresponsible Journalism: The government accused the publishing blog of neglecting the core principles of professional journalism—facts, verification, and fairness—in favor of “sensationalism, deliberate falsehood, and calculated mischief.“

• Misrepresentation of a Past Event: The government clarified that the blog had deliberately distorted a previously reported incident involving local government chairmen.

• Voluntary Gesture: The administration explained that the past incident occurred after allegations were made by a former local government chairman. His colleagues, in line with Yoruba tradition, voluntarily prostrated while appealing to Governor Abiodun for forgiveness on his behalf.

• Not Directed by Governor: The statement stressed, “At no time did Governor Abiodun request, direct, or encourage anyone to prostrate before him. The gesture was entirely voluntary.“

• Investigated Allegations: The government further noted that the original allegations had been investigated by the State House of Assembly, and the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) confirmed that local government funds had not been diverted.

The state government concluded by reiterating that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it does not allow for the deliberate publication of false information or stories intended to mislead the public. Citizens were urged to disregard the report and rely on credible information sources.