• DSS Releases Ogun PDP Governorship Candidate, Adebutu, After Detention
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has regained his freedom after being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Adebutu, who was invited and detained on Monday night, was released early Tuesday morning at about 7:00 a.m.
Adebutu disclosed that his invitation was linked to accusations arising from the local government elections held in Ogun State on November 16. Describing the allegations as “spurious and baseless,” he alleged they were aimed at silencing him as a vocal opposition leader in the state.
Speaking further, Adebutu stated, “At about 7:00 a.m., Tuesday, 19th November 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer to various spurious accusations all arising from the November 16 Local Government election in Ogun State. Very sadly, the allegations were so baseless that it became clear that their purpose was to silence me as a voice of the opposition.”
The PDP candidate reiterated his belief in free and fair elections as a foundation for financial autonomy in local governments, emphasizing that his stance was not partisan but aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s position on governance. He remarked, “My thinking that the Local Government should have financial autonomy that can only be enforced by free and fair elections is germane to our development. Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, shares the same view as mine, which shows it is not a partisan position but a nationalistic one.”
Adebutu also expressed appreciation for the professionalism displayed by the DSS during his detention, acknowledging their fairness. He further commended the judiciary for its judgment in favor of the PDP regarding a suit aimed at excluding the party from the local government elections. “I seize this opportunity to appreciate our institutions as they gradually continue to grow. I must say I am pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and fairness the Department of State Services has treated this matter till date, particularly during my stay in their office,” he said.
Adebutu reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for a functional third tier of government, describing the current situation in Ogun State as desperate and detrimental to development. He pledged to continue his struggle for better governance and financial autonomy for local governments.
