The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) morning after being detained on Monday, 18 November, 2024.
Adebutu, in a statement issued after his release, revealed that his detention followed accusations linked to the November 16 Local Government elections in Ogun State.
The state government had accused Adebutu of disrupting the election and instigating violence, which reportedly led to the death of a supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairmanship candidate in Ikenne Local Government Area.
He described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that his criticism of the election’s fairness was an exercise of his constitutional right to free speech.
“At about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, 19th November 2024, I was released by the DSS in Abeokuta after responding to spurious accusations stemming from the November 16 Local Government elections,” Adebutu said.
“These baseless allegations appear to be aimed at silencing me as an opposition voice.”
Adebutu reiterated his stance on the need for financial autonomy for Local Governments, asserting that free and fair elections are essential for achieving this goal.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also supports the principle of Local Government autonomy, framing the issue as a national priority rather than a partisan agenda.
Adebutu commended the DSS for their professionalism during his detention and also acknowledged the judiciary for a judgment issued on Friday, 15th November 2024, by the Ogun State High Court, which allowed the PDP to participate in the Local Government elections.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters and critics alike, stating, “Together, we must advance the narrative toward good governance.”
The events surrounding Adebutu’s detention and release have drawn significant attention, highlighting the charged political atmosphere in Ogun State.
