Ogun West Senate: Tension In Ado-Odo, As APC Leaders Embroil In Allege ‘Manufactured Consensus’ Senatorial Candidate
ABEOKUTA – Rising political tension has engulfed Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State following allegations of financial inducements and backdoor negotiations involving key political figures lobbying to get the APC Ogun West Senatorial District ticket.
According to sources within the local political circle, substantial sums of money reportedly up to ₦20million have been paid by Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele and Olanrewaju Bashorun respectively to influence the emergence of a preferred senatorial candidate through what insiders described as a “manufactured consensus.”
The alleged transaction was said to have been facilitated by Segun Ojolowo Ojuko.
The purported plan, sources claimed, was designed to present a fake candidate to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, potentially sidelining broader stakeholder input.
Unconfirmed reports also suggested that the Ota traditional ruler, Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, was alleged to be engaging in political consultations beyond the customary expectations of his royal office.
Reports indicated that the monarch was en route to Abeokuta to meet with the governor at the time of filing this report.
These developments appeared to contrast sharply with the governor’s recent political strategy, which has been widely praised for promoting unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Observers pointed to the consensus emergence of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as a model of inclusive and conflict-free decision-making.
However, the situation in Ado-Odo/Ota suggests a divergence from that approach.
Allegations have surfaced that a group of eight political leaders, initially invited for consultations, may have been influenced by financial incentives to push an agenda contrary to the governor’s broader framework.
Sources closed to the state government suggested that Governor Abiodun has distanced himself from the reported arrangement, emphasizing that such decisions cannot rest with a small, allegedly compromised group.
Efforts to reach key figures, including Akin Odunsi and local APC chairman JJ Akeran, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This development, however, received mixed reactions from within the APC. A senior party leader from the Yewa axis dismissed the alleged arrangement, stressing that decisions regarding senatorial representation must involve all five local governments in the district.
The leader also expressed confidence that the governor would not endorse any process perceived as lacking transparency.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing among grassroots members and youth stakeholders.
One youth representative, speaking anonymously, questioned whether financial motivations were beginning to overshadow democratic values within the party.
As the situation unfolds, party stakeholders across the senatorial district warned that unresolved disputes could lead to voter apathy and internal divisions if not carefully addressed.
