A social media firestorm has erupted following the emergence of photos and videos showing Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, attending the 63rd birthday celebration of businessman Tayo Ayeni, CEO of Skymit Motors, in the upscale Banana Island area of Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Governor’s presence at the lavish event has drawn sharp criticism from citizens and netizens alike, who have labelled it as “insensitive” and “shameful,” given that a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Moruf Musa, remains in captivity after being abducted by gunmen on Tuesday evening.
Gunmen invaded Ibiade in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area on Tuesday, seizing Hon. Moruf Musa, a former Majority Leader of the State Assembly (2007–2011), while he was observing evening prayers inside a mosque within his compound. The assailants reportedly fired shots sporadically during the operation, causing panic in the community.
Local authorities confirmed that security operations are underway to secure the victim’s release. The Ogun State Police Command has acknowledged the abduction and assured the public that all necessary measures, including the deployment of special units, have been activated.
Despite the ongoing security crisis, images of Governor Abiodun at the high-profile birthday party circulated widely online, sparking immediate outrage.
Prominent social media commentator @ai360studio wrote: “You have a former House of Assembly Member of your state under kidnap right now and you are still partying. Shame on you Dapo.”
Another user, @Prince Demola Adeyinka, added: “That’s all he knows how to do best: party, party. I hope Ogun State citizens will start asking this man for accountability. It is sad.”
The criticism reflects growing public frustration over what many perceive as a disconnect between the state’s political leadership and the security challenges facing ordinary citizens.
As of press time, neither the Governor nor the Ogun State Government has issued an official statement addressing the kidnapping or responding to the public criticism regarding the Governor’s public appearance at the birthday event.
Security analysts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for more decisive action and visible leadership from state governors amid Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping epidemic. This incident has further fueled debates about the priorities of elected officials during emergencies.
The Ogun State Police Command has urged calm, stating that operations are ongoing to ensure the safe return of Hon. Moruf Musa. Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount on Governor Abiodun to address the situation directly and demonstrate a stronger commitment to the security of Ogun State residents.
More Comments Below:
