REVEALED: Why DSS Detained Prominent Ogun Politician Ladi Adebutu

Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has spoken out about his arrest and detention by the Department of State Services (DSS). Adebutu claims that his detention was linked to his strong objections to the November 16 local government elections, which he described as neither free nor fair.

Ladi Adebutu, who held a press conference on Monday to voice his concerns, stated that the elections failed to meet democratic standards. Shortly after his public remarks, he was taken into custody by the DSS, a move he deems politically motivated.

In an interview with Daily Post following his release around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Adebutu alleged that the accusations against him were baseless and part of an effort to silence him as an opposition voice. "The charges were so unfounded that it was clear their aim was to silence me,ÔÇØ he asserted. "My contention that those elections were not free and fair is rooted in my constitutional rights to free speech and thought.ÔÇØ

Ladi Adebutu elaborated on his stance, highlighting his belief that local governments require financial autonomy, a vision he sees as essential for genuine development. "Financial autonomy for local governments can only be realized through free and fair elections,ÔÇØ Adebutu said, adding that his view aligns with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, making it a shared national objective rather than a partisan one.

He further claimed that recent developments in Ogun State, particularly over the last five years, reflect a disturbing trend of undermining the autonomy of local governments. "This struggle is vital for our development,ÔÇØ Adebutu said. "I will soon publish the details of Ogun State's specific issues to illustrate this desperate attempt to stifle the third tier of government.ÔÇØ

Adebutu's statement has stirred political waters in Ogun State, as he remains firm in his stance that fair elections and transparent governance are non-negotiable pillars of democracy.