The Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation has accused the Ogun State Government of undermining judicial processes and weaponizing state agencies to intimidate opposition figures in the state.
The organization recently described the government’s action as politically motivated.
Speaking via a press statement issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Afolabi Orekoya, the group alleged that officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Finance, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, had posted a “Notice of Default” on one of Hon. Ladi Adebutu’s properties in Ode Remo, Remo North Local Government.
According to Afolabi, the land use and amenity charge in dispute is currently before the courts, and any attempt by the government to enforce charges before a court judgment would amount to contempt.
“The attention of the Ladi Adebutu Development Organization has been drawn to a Notice of Default posted on one of Hon. Ladi Adebutu’s properties located at Ode Remo in Remo North Local Government by Ogun State Ministry of Finance under the watch of Governor Dapo Abiodun undermining court process on same matter.
We state categorically that these devilries are nothing but ploy by the government to silence and harass the opposition in Ogun State. This latest move is a clear misuse of state power to intimidate the opposition particularly, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and a distraction from the administration’s failure to deliver good governance to the people.
HCS/275/2018 – Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu vs. Land Use and Amenities Charge Committee, Ogun State Ministry of Finance, Abeokuta, coming up on October 8, 2025″ and “HCS/409/2024 – Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu vs. Land Use and Amenities Charge Committee, Ogun State Ministry of Finance, Abeokuta, still pending without a date fixed.
“It is therefore laughable and contemptuous of the judiciary for the Government and its agents to attempt to enforce charges that are already being contested in competent courts of law,” it read.
Afolabi Orekoya further faulted the process leading to the notice, claiming that it clearly violates Ogun State laws.
The Adebutu group concluded by urging the Ogun government to desist from targeting political opponents, stressing that the same energy should be channelled into guaranteeing quality governance in the state.
“We must remind the public that, by law, the Ministry of Finance cannot unilaterally impose land use charges without proper assessment of the property in line with the Land Use and Amenities Charge laws of Ogun State. In this particular case, the so-called notice was merely posted on the property without due process, hence the ongoing litigation.
The Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation condemns this reckless abuse of power and calls on Governor Abiodun’s government to stop weaponizing government agencies against perceived political opponents.
Ogun State would be better served if the same energy was channeled into providing quality governance, infrastructure, and real service to the people. We urge the good people of Ogun State to see through this intimidation tactic and remain resolute in the face of tyranny.
Democracy cannot thrive where opposition voices are silenced through harassment and illegal enforcement actions,” it added.
