_Press Statement by Concerned Youths of Ogun State on the Detention of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu (Lado)_

We, the Concerned Youths of Ogun State, express our profound displeasure at the recent arrest and detention of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu (Lado) by the Department of State Services (DSS), allegedly acting in collaboration with the Ogun State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun.

This unfortunate development comes in the wake of the just-concluded Local Government Elections, a process that has been widely criticized for its lack of transparency and fairness. Reports abound that ballot boxes were missing in over 90% of polling units across Ogun State, effectively disenfranchising the masses and depriving them of their constitutional right to vote. Rather than addressing the concerns surrounding this sham election, the state government has chosen to deploy state apparatus to suppress opposition voices through politically motivated actions.

At a time when Ogun State grapples with pressing issues like rampant hunger, an alarming rate of unemployment, rising cult clashes—even in the state capital—and poor welfare conditions for its people, it is deeply disheartening that the focus of governance has shifted to vindictive politics. These actions do nothing to advance the well-being of the citizens but only serve to deepen divisions and stifle democracy.

We wish to remind Governor Dapo Abiodun that he is not the first to govern this great state. Past leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, prioritized governance and steered clear of politics of bitterness. History will not be kind to those who use the instruments of power to persecute their opponents instead of uplifting their people.

Governance is a trust, and it is imperative that the current administration redirects its focus to addressing the real challenges confronting Ogun State. No amount of intimidation or political machination can silence the collective voice of the people. It is important to note that every leader has their time, and just as those before him have passed the baton, Governor Abiodun’s time too will come to an end. The legacy he leaves behind will be determined by his actions today.

We call on the DSS and other security agencies to resist being used as tools for political vendettas and to ensure fairness and justice in the discharge of their duties. We also urge all stakeholders in Ogun State to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the development and stability of our state.

Ogun State belongs to all of us, and we will not sit idly by while our collective aspirations are undermined by short-sighted politics.

Signed,

Concerned Youths of Ogun State