Ladi Adebutu, the Ogun State governorship candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has dismissed as “baseless” the allegations made against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement detailing his experience while in DSS custody in Abeokuta, Adebutu claimed the accusations were part of an attempt to silence him as a leading voice of the opposition. The PDP candidate was arrested on Monday for questioning regarding the recent local government elections held across Ogun State. He was released early on Tuesday morning from the DSS office.
“It was about 7 am, Tuesday, 19th November 2024, when I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer various spurious accusations related to the November 16 Local Government election in Ogun State,” Adebutu said.
He added that the allegations were without merit, stating, “Very sadly, the allegations were so baseless that it became clear their purpose was to silence me as a voice of the opposition. My stance that those elections were not free and fair is my fundamental right to free speech and free thought.”
Adebutu further emphasized his belief in the importance of financial autonomy for local governments, asserting that such autonomy could only be achieved through free and fair elections. “This is germane to our development. Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, shares the same view, which shows it is not a partisan position but a nationalistic one.”
The politician also highlighted what he perceived as a dangerous trend in Ogun State, saying, “Because of the particular situation of Ogun State over the last five years, desperation has set in to emasculate the third tier of government completely. This is the struggle for our development.”
While criticizing the political situation, Adebutu commended the DSS for their professionalism during his detention. “I seize this opportunity to appreciate our institutions as they continue to grow. I must say I am pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and fairness with which the Department of State Services treated this matter.”
He also expressed gratitude to the judiciary, acknowledging the Ogun State High Court for its timely ruling on a suit filed to prevent the PDP from participating in the local elections.
“I thank all stakeholders, well-wishers, and even non-well-wishers. Together, we must move the nation forward and work towards good governance,” Adebutu concluded.
