Ogun senate seats: Gov. Abiodun races against the tide to stop OGD, Adeola’s ambitions

Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

For Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, this may not be the best of time.

The governor is at present at his wit’s end in his quest to determine who takes the available senatorial seats in the state.

Two senatorial seats are particularly in hot contention in the state. They are those of Ogun East and Ogun West. Senator Ibikunle Amosun represents Ogun Central at present.

WesternPost authoritatively learnt that Governor Abiodun is not favourably disposed to the aspirations of former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, from Sagamu to contest for Ogun East senatorial seat and that of Senator Olamilekan Adeola to return to the Senate from Ogun West.

Senator Adeola, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, is moving from Lagos West Senatorial District to contest to return to the Senate this time from Ogun West.

But the Ogun State governor may be racing against people power, in his move to stop the two gladiators.

OGD as Otunba Daniel is widely called is said to be highly influential in Ogun East.

He was said to have taken the leadership of the senatorial district since the demise of Senator Buruji Kashamu. That district is also Governor Abiodun’s constituency.

Senator Adeola from Ilaro has also become a household name and the man to beat in Ogun West since he moved over to the district.

WesternPost sources said, though stopping the two top APC stalwarts is a futile battle, if the governor goes ahead in his opposition to their aspiration, he may be putting his re-election in jeopardy.

Governor Abiodun, it was learnt, needs the structure of the duo to confront former governor of the state, Senator Amosun, who is waging a supremacy battle with the governor .

Governor Abiodun needs OGD’s support and the awesome structure of Adeola to survive Amosun’s onslaught.

Former Chief of Staff to Amosun when he was the governor and present senator representing Ogun West, Senator Tolu Odebiyi, who was initially estranged with Amosun had run back to him for protection.

However, it is yet unclear how far Amosun’s shield can take him in his battle for re-election in Ogun West. It is feared that Adeola may make a mince meat of him.

Speaking on Governor Abiodun’s attitude to OGD and Adeola’s aspirations, a top APC chieftain in the state who pleaded not to be named said: “The governor should know that what he is doing is not politically correct. He would be digging his political grave if he moves to stop ex-Governor Daniel and Senator Adeola. In any case, he should know its a battle he can’t win.”