Onayemi speaks on Ogun APC crisis, insists OGD was never suspended, alleges political exclusion

Michael Olumide

Political tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated following fresh revelations surrounding the alleged exclusion of former governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel (OGD), from a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode.

The controversy, which reportedly unfolded at the Adeola Odutola Hall during a major political gathering, has continued to generate debate over internal party democracy, hierarchy, and alleged factional control within the ruling party.

Former Ijebu North East Local Government Chairman, Otunba Tayo Onayemi, has now provided a detailed eyewitness account of the incident, further deepening the political storm.

Speaking on Sabenko, a Yoruba-language political programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, Onayemi said he arrived early at the venue and observed an already tense atmosphere before the meeting commenced.

“I was the second person to enter the Adeola Odutola Hall and everything was already arranged according to the status of dignitaries,” he said, explaining that he attended in his capacity as Deputy Director-General of the OGD Movement in the Ijebu axis.

According to him, he immediately noticed that the seating arrangement and entry protocols reflected a strict political hierarchy, suggesting underlying tensions within the party structure.

Onayemi alleged that he was informed at the venue that Senator Gbenga Daniel would not be allowed into the hall. He said the information was conveyed by Hon. Tunde Diya, Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, who allegedly stated that the gathering “belongs to Governor Dapo Abiodun.”

He, however, challenged the claim, insisting that OGD remains a major political figure in Ogun State.

“OGD is not a stranger in Ogun politics,” Onayemi said, arguing that exclusion of any stakeholder undermines party unity and democratic inclusion.

Onayemi further alleged that about 40 minutes into the meeting, he received reports that OGD had been denied access to the venue.

He said he personally contacted the senator, who confirmed he was outside the hall.

He also claimed that efforts to resolve the situation were unsuccessful, as he was later instructed to meet OGD outside.

According to him, security operatives were subsequently directed to escort him out of the hall through an alternative exit route.

“I was led out by about three security men. It was abrupt and without explanation,” he said, describing the experience as humiliating and politically unfortunate.

The former council boss used the opportunity to reflect on his long involvement in Ogun politics, stressing that many current actors benefited from earlier political struggles that shaped the state’s democratic evolution.

“We were the frontline people God used to build this political structure,” he said, referencing political transitions dating back to the late 1990s.

He also recalled mobilization efforts during the emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2018, claiming that grassroots actors played a significant role in his electoral success.

Onayemi strongly dismissed reports suggesting that Senator Daniel had been suspended from the APC, insisting that no such decision had been communicated by the party’s national leadership.

“There is nothing like suspension for OGD. Even Abuja has said there is no suspension,” he stated.

He maintained that disciplinary processes within the party must follow due procedure, warning against politically motivated narratives.

Reacting to growing controversy over alleged endorsement politics within the party, Onayemi emphasized that the APC’s constitution must guide all decisions, including consensus arrangements and candidate selection.

He warned that selective exclusion and imposition could deepen internal divisions ahead of future elections.
“Everybody is free to contest without intimidation. Consensus cannot be imposed,” he said.

During the programme, callers expressed divided opinions. While some defended OGD’s political relevance and called for restraint, others accused the state leadership of excessive control and lack of fairness in party affairs.

Concluding his remarks, Onayemi called for reconciliation within the Ogun APC, urging stakeholders to prioritize unity over factional interests.

“Politicians must respect the people. Democracy is rule-based, not personality-driven,” he said.

He warned that continued internal crisis could weaken the party’s strength ahead of future elections, stressing that unity remains essential for political stability in Ogun State.