Amosun fires back at Utomi, accuses LP chieftain of entitlement mentality
Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has accused renowned Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, of attempting to leverage influence and entitlement during his tenure as governor.
In a statement released yesterday, Amosun addressed allegations made by Utomi on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming that Amosun failed to honor an agreement related to Utomi’s investments in Ogun State.
Amosun explained that Utomi’s discontent stemmed from his refusal to cater to Utomi’s demands, which he described as an “entitlement mentality” and “indecent influence peddling.” The former governor revealed that the Ogun State House of Assembly had previously declared Utomi persona non grata due to his involvement in what Amosun described as dubious business dealings within the state.
Detailing the history behind the dispute, Amosun said that upon assuming office, he was informed of the Assembly’s resolution against Utomi. Out of curiosity, Amosun reached out to Utomi to understand the situation, learning that the controversy revolved around a construction project on Ogun State property on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Road in Lagos. The project had sparked disagreements due to its location in the property’s car park.
Amosun stated that after reviewing the project, his team estimated the cost of the construction at around N35 million to N50 million, a figure far below the N200 million Utomi claimed. The former governor said he offered a refund of N100 million, but Utomi allegedly insisted on the full amount.
Amosun further accused Utomi of attempting to sway him by offering an award through Utomi’s Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL). Despite attending the event, Amosun maintained his stance on the reduced refund. He also dismissed Utomi’s subsequent complaints and perceived attempts to discredit him as stemming from an inflated sense of self-importance.
Challenging Utomi’s claims, Amosun invited journalists and the public to inspect the construction site and verify Utomi’s investment. He also questioned the value of the project to Ogun State, asserting that his decisions were always in the state’s best interest.
The former governor concluded by emphasizing the need for equal application of the law in Nigeria, regardless of status, religion, or tribe. He warned against the dangers of misinformation and urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable for their actions, stressing that he stood by every decision made during his tenure, irrespective of opposition from individuals like Utomi.
