The Ogun State Governor, Senator
Ibikunle Amosun and his immediate predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel on
Wednesday traded words over the latter’s state of origin.
He added that he was part of those who helped Daniel to become a Sagamu indigene. .
But Daniel said such a remark was an
insult on the people of Sagamu, where he said he hailed from, as well as
a taboo and an effrontery on its traditional institutions.
Amosun was reacting to the allegations
levelled against his administration by the former governor during a
summit held at Odeda, in Odeda Local Government by the Labour Party two
weeks ago.
Daniel had accused Amosun of selling off all the farmlands in the area to other states.
He had said, “When I came into power in
2003, the first place we visited was Odeda and we recognised that
agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, we therefore established 13
farm settlements.
“Today, we are sorry that this present government has started selling our farmlands to other neighbouring states.
“He is busy constructing roads and
bridges and Alabata road which we did when we came in 2003, when I was
coming today, I tried to check on the road, the road was very bad. I
want to ask you people of Odeda, what has Amosun done for you here? He
has been constructing bridges all over and nothing was done here for
you. He neglected you.”
Amosun, who was visibly angry,
maintained that he was among those that assisted Daniel to claim Sagamu
indigeneship when he wanted to contest the governorship seat in the
state in 2003.
The incumbent governor described Daniel
as a prodigal son, who sold off all the patrimonies of the state under
fake concession agreement.
He particularly mentioned Apoje Farm
Settlement, which he said the former governor had sold to a former
commissioner in Lagos State at a ridiculous amount.
He said, “When they came into power, the
farmlands were over 60 it remains only five… God will punish them all.
Our forefathers will never forgive them and the generations coming will
also curse them. They thought we are like them ,we are not, we are not …
from Isoko.”
Daniel, who reacted through his media
aide, Mr. Ayo Giwa, said, “Precisely on Saturday, February 23, 2002,
Otunba Gbenga Daniel was made the Aare Asoludero of Makun Sagamu with
traditional rites performed by the late Ewusi, HRH Oba Efuwape Ogunsowo,
Inanuwa II. To all intents and purposes, Oba Ogunsowo declared that
Otunba Daniel was a freeborn of Makun in Sagamu and of the Ojelobaye
family origin.”
