The Ogun State Government has rejected as blackmail and reckless defamation the allegation by Labour Party chieftain, Mr. Arabambi Abayomi, that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is selling government-owned housing assets, including the Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA).
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described Abayomi as an attention-seeking rabble-rouser whose claims were driven by resentment after he was sidelined by the government.
Akinmade said the allegations were misleading and deliberately aimed at distorting the state’s ongoing urban renewal programme, which he said was focused on transforming dilapidated structures in GRAs into modern smart cities.
He said it was ironic for Abayomi to portray the revitalisation of GRAs across the state as the sale of public assets, noting that the initiative had received commendation from eminent Nigerians.
The media aide recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, and the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Tunde Bakare, had all praised the projects.
“The fact is well known that Ogun State’s urban renewal programme for Government Reserved Areas involves transforming dilapidated houses and shanties into modern, vibrant smart cities,” Akinmade said.
He explained that the programme covers GRAs in Ibara and Idi-Aba (Abeokuta), Igbeba (Ijebu-Ode), Ilaro, and Ota, and includes the rehabilitation of old structures, the construction of new housing units, and the provision of modern infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water supply, and electricity.
According to him, the project spans over 100 hectares, with plans for 500 housing units in Ibara and 100 units in Idi-Aba, adding that more than 150 houses have already been completed.
Akinmade also accused Abayomi of previously organising several press conferences praising Governor Abiodun in an attempt to gain favour with the government, but becoming hostile after his “multiple faces” were discovered and he was subsequently sidelined.
“GRAs are the exclusive preserve of government. What responsible governments do is clear shanties and replace them with modern developments, which is exactly what the Abiodun administration is doing,” he said.
He urged the public to disregard Abayomi’s claims, describing them as an attempt to gain relevance by attacking a government that refused to patronise him.
“Instead of focusing on rebuilding his party, he is busy chasing shadows. We know him very well, and nothing he says can be taken seriously by this government,” Akinmade added.
