Ogun group challenges Adebutu to publish development record, defend criticism of Adeola’s projects
The Ogun Development Forum has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, to place his development record side by side with that of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola rather than condemning projects facilitated by the senator across Ogun State.
The forum, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Sodeinde Seun, said both Adebutu and Adeola had served in the National Assembly and should allow residents to compare their respective contributions to the development of their constituencies.
It urged Adebutu to identify the roads, schools, health facilities, scholarships and other projects he facilitated during his tenure in the House of Representatives, including their locations and dates, so that residents could assess the records of both politicians.
According to the forum, such a comparison would promote an evidence-based assessment of public service rather than what it described as “general criticism and condemnation.”
The group said Adebutu had the right to question any project, but argued that such concerns should be directed at specific works rather than development initiatives generally.
It said public infrastructure should be assessed based on its benefits to communities, regardless of the political affiliation of those who facilitated them.
The forum listed several projects it attributed to Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, including the ongoing rehabilitation of the 104-kilometre Ilara/Oja-Odan/Ilashe road, which it said cuts across four local government areas in Ogun West.
Other projects cited by the group included the Kemta Housing Estate Road in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta; Arigbawonwo Road in Obafemi Owode; Ijebu-Igbo Township Road; Mini Campus Link Road in Ago-Iwoye; classroom blocks at various schools across the state; boreholes; and interventions relating to electricity supply in Ogun Waterside and parts of Ijebu East Local Government Area.
The forum said the projects had provided relief to residents and therefore deserved recognition rather than condemnation.
“Someone who has immersed himself in this act of service deserves praise and encomium and not opprobrium and condemnation,” the statement said.
The group, however, urged Adeola to continue facilitating projects that address the needs of Ogun communities.
It also challenged Adebutu, who it described as someone seeking to govern Ogun State, to focus on outlining his plans for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other areas of development.
The forum said voters deserved to know not only what political aspirants had done but also what they intended to deliver if elected.
“We ask both men to put verifiable records before the public and give Ogun people a clear account of what they intend to deliver,” the statement added.
