Society Gists

By Ayo Mojoyin

In the unfolding political theatre of Ogun State, one thing has become abundantly clear; fear is the fuel driving the attacks from the Governor Dapo Abiodun’s camp.

And nowhere is this more glaring than in the now-infamous piece titled “The Onslaught on Dapo Abiodun by Political Judases”, credited to one Funmi Branco; a name that, as insiders have revealed, is nothing more than a pseudonym for Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media to the outgoing governor.

Let’s be clear. This is not just another political spat.

This is a desperate attempt by a drowning administration to rewrite history, deflect responsibility, and paint its critics as traitors; all while hiding behind false identities.

Cowardice of a Pseudonym

First, to the identity crisis.

The name “Funmi Branco” does not belong to any known journalist or analyst of note.

Multiple sources close to the governor’s communications team confirm that Akinmade has been operating a network of pseudonyms; including this latest one, to defend his principal while evading public accountability.

If the outgoing governor’s performance truly speaks for itself, why does his own media adviser lack the courage to stand by his words?

Why hide behind pen names and shadow identities to spew venom against Senator Gbenga Daniel and other perceived opponents?

The truth is simple; Akinmade doesn’t believe in the man he serves enough to put his own name. That is not loyalty but cowardice.

The Lies They Tell

The Branco/Akinmade essay drips with the bitterness of a crumbling political empire.

It accuses Otunba Daniel’s loyalists of orchestrating a smear campaign against the outgoing governor, calling them “political Judases.” Yet it is Akinmade and his ilk that are truly guilty of betrayal; betrayal of truth, betrayal of public trust, and betrayal of the most basic principles of transparency.

In a pathetic attempt at revisionist history, the piece claims that OGD, as he is fondly called, had no role in Abiodun’s 2019 victory.

It tries to rewrite the facts, conveniently ignoring OGD’s symbolic gesture of raising Abiodun’s hand just days before the election; a unifying act that helped calm tensions and consolidate votes in Ogun East.

They want us to forget that Dapo Abiodun was surrounded by internal enemies within his party and needed every ounce of political goodwill he could muster, including Otunba Daniel’s.

Real History, Not Propaganda

Let’s go back.

In 2002, Abiodun and Otunba Daniel were both vying for the Peoples Democratic Party’s gubernatorial ticket. When OGD emerged as the party’s choice, he settled Abiodun with chairman of Ogun State Oil & Gas Committee, where he derived tremendous advantage to develop his fuel station business.

So many things happened then; but that’s a story for another day.

Fast-forward to 2019.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel had just concluded his service as PDP’s presidential campaign coordinator. Yes, he joined the APC shortly before the elections; a most welcome tactical move as he returns to his political base as a progressive, but his influence in Ogun East played a quiet, stabilizing role.

For outgoing Abiodun to now sponsor attacks against Otunba Daniel is not just disingenuous; it is disgraceful.

And what of Daniel’s so-called entitlement?

Akinmade wants us to believe that Otunba Gbenga Daniel wants to rule from the shadows. But it was Abiodun who freely appointed OGD’s associates into key positions; Hon. Lai Taiwo, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, Akeem Adesina, Princess Ogunde, and more.

If these men and women are now seen as threats, it says more about Abiodun’s insecurity than Daniel’s ambition.

Or those he appointed with subtle threats that they must distance themselves from OGD. How many of such are still with him. Is Otunba Fatai Sowemimo still with him?

Did they not part ways because the experienced politician choose to align with Otunba Gbenga Daniel? Time will tell.

The Real Political Judas

It is also laughable that Akinmade, under his ghost name, would accuse OGD of betrayal.

This from the same government that benefited from Otunba Daniel’s support, only to later refuse to support his senatorial ambition until pressured by traditional rulers. 

Now, the outgoing governor’s team, afraid that Abiodun may want to vie for the senate seat in 2027, are confused on how to prepare the grounds for him.

The Branco piece betrays this fear openly, suggesting that the governor harbours “burning ambition” for the senate.

Beyond OGD: A Trail of Bitterness

But Otunba Daniel is not the only one in the governor’s crosshairs.

Why was Abiodun at war over the appointment of Minister Ishaq Salako? Simply because he was perceived to be OGD’s person.

All Hail the Spendthrift Outgoing Governor

The earlier Abiodun’s handlers accept that their boss is now the outgoing governor, the better for them. Because what Ogun State needs is not ghostwritten arrogance; it needs reflection, honesty, and humility.

Eleyi of Ogun State, no amount of pseudonyms or media ambushes will save you from the reckoning of 2027. You cannot deceive all the people all the time; and certainly not when your own team has already started the countdown to your exit.

You betrayed Otunba Daniel. You’ve abandoned Yayi. You’ve disrespected Amosun. And now, even your commissioners are watching the clock. The silent majority within your administration know the truth: the governor is dancing alone, and the music is almost over.

So go ahead, outgoing Governor Abiodun. Wear the finest agbada. Take a few more private jets. Spin a few more ghostwritten tales. But remember this:

History does not remember the loudest voices; it remembers the boldest truths.

And the truth is, you are now the spendthrift, isolated, and fast-fading outgoing governor of Ogun State.