A political support group, the Coalition for Ogun Integrity and Democracy (COID), has publicly released what it claims is damning live video evidence of a ritual oath-taking ceremony involving leaders of the Ogun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), directly contradicting the party’s official dismissal of the allegations.
The development has sent shockwaves through the state’s political milieu, raising serious questions about the conduct of high-ranking officials and prompting calls for independent investigations from religious and security agencies.
The controversy erupted yesterday when reports surfaced of a clandestine meeting where APC members were allegedly forced to partake in a ritual oath to pledge loyalty to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
However, the state’s ruling party swiftly issued a press statement, branding the reports as “false, baseless, and politically motivated.”
However, COID has now presented a video that it asserts is incontrovertible proof of the event. According to a detailed statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Temidayo Asenuga, the footage captures the following:
- Sagamu LG Chairman’s Admission: The Executive Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Ogbeni Jubril Olasile Odulate (popularly known as Afo), is clearly heard on video stating that the gathering’s explicit purpose was for oath-taking to pledge loyalty to Governor Abiodun as the party leader.
- Structured Participation: In Ijebu North East, the video allegedly shows a structured summoning of five key leaders from each ward: the Ward Chairman, Secretary, Women Leader, Youth Leader, and Vice Chairman. The Council Chairman of Ijebu North East, Folusho Badejo, was also present.
- Coercion and Reluctance: The statement claims the Party Chairman for the area is seen on video exhibiting clear hesitation but was ultimately pressured into participating.
- APC Spokesman Implicated: In a stunning revelation, the group claims the state APC’s own Publicity Secretary is identifiable in the video, participating in the very process his office later denied.
Alleged Masterminds and Financial Inducements
COID’s statement goes beyond the video, naming names and alleging a well-orchestrated scheme. It strongly suggests the entire event was orchestrated at the instance of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi.
The group further alleges:
- The traditionalist who officiated the ritual is a woman from Oru in Ijebu Igbo—SSG Talabi’s hometown—who is reportedly well-known there for her rituals and has a known relationship with the SSG.
- Sagamu LG Chairman, Jubril Odulate (Afo), is accused of being the state-wide coordinator, coercing his colleagues from other LGAs to participate with promises of a monthly stipend of ₦100,000 and political appointments.
- The statement claims that out of approximately 50 invited members, about 27 walked out in anger, with some vowing not to “lay their lives on the line because of ₦100,000.”
Calls for Action and Investigation
Labeling the APC’s denial as a “dangerous attempt to gaslight the public,” COID has made several weighty demands:
- Independent Investigation: It calls for an independent probe, dismissing the party’s promised internal review as insufficient given their initial blanket denial.
- Security Agency Involvement: It urges law enforcement and security agencies to immediately take possession of the video evidence and launch a full-scale inquiry.
- Religious Scrutiny: In a highly unusual move, the coalition has called on Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to investigate why Mr. Talabi—an ordained pastor in the church—would be linked to such an act.
- Appeal to the Governor: COID has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately caution his SSG and put a stop to the “unholy and shameful act.”
Threat of More Evidence
The group has warned that this is only the beginning, promising to release more evidence in due course, including videos from the SSG’s office, records of Local Government meetings, WhatsApp conversations, and lists of appointment letters issued to compliant members.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State APC has not issued a follow-up statement addressing the specific claims in the video. The office of the SSG has also not responded to requests for comment.
This story is developing.
Signed:
Temidayo Asenuga writes in from Oru, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.
Secretary, Coalition for Ogun Integrity and Democracy (COID)
(A Socio-Political Support Group for Accountability and Good Governance)
