The Ogun State Government has vehemently rejected claims by Labour Party chieftain, Mr. Arabambi Abayomi, who accused the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun of selling public housing assets, including properties in the Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA). In a detailed response, the government described the allegations as a baseless attempt at blackmail and reckless defamation by Abayomi, a politician who, according to officials, has been seeking attention and relevance after being sidelined by the administration.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, strongly refuted the claims, calling them misleading and deliberately distorted. The government emphasized that the accusations were a calculated attempt to disrupt the state’s urban renewal program, which has been widely praised by prominent Nigerians for transforming once dilapidated areas into vibrant, modern living spaces.
Akinmade pointed out the contradiction in Abayomi’s rhetoric, noting that he was erroneously portraying the revitalization efforts of the Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) as a sale of public assets. According to the Special Adviser, the initiative, which has already received commendation from key figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Alake of Egbaland, and renowned clergyman Tunde Bakare, was a positive step towards modernizing the state’s urban spaces.
The urban renewal initiative covers several key areas, including Ibara and Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, Igbeba in Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, and Ota. It aims to convert outdated, poorly constructed housing into modern smart cities, equipped with essential infrastructure like roads, drainage systems, water supply, and electricity. The project is spread across over 100 hectares of land, with ambitious plans to build 500 housing units in Ibara and 100 in Idi-Aba. More than 150 of these units have already been completed, with construction ongoing in other parts of the state.
Akinmade also pointed to Abayomi’s contradictory behavior, citing his past attempts to win favor with the Abiodun administration. The Labour Party leader had previously organized press conferences praising the governor’s achievements, only to turn hostile once his “true character” was revealed and he was distanced from the government. This, Akinmade argued, demonstrated Abayomi’s true intentions: to remain relevant at any cost.
The government further urged the public to disregard Abayomi’s claims, labeling him as an opportunist. Akinmade concluded by stressing that instead of focusing on attacking the government, the Labour Party chieftain should be prioritizing the rebuilding of his own party. “We know him very well, and his statements hold no weight in the face of the ongoing urban transformation,” Akinmade said.
This response clearly counters Abayomi's claims and reiterates the state's commitment to urban development, which has been lauded by several influential figures across Nigeria. The focus remains on transforming Ogun State into a modern, thriving hub while dismissing distractions aimed at sowing division.
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