The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of harassment and political persecution following the imposition of a N72 million Land Use and Amenities Charge on his property.
In a statement on Monday by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation, Afolabi Orekoya, Adebutu described the action as “contemptuous of the judiciary,” noting that the issue was already before the courts.
According to him, the matter is the subject of two pending cases at the High Court in Sagamu: HCS/275/2018, scheduled for October 8, 2025, and HCS/409/2024, both challenging the legality of the charge.
Adebutu argued that the Ministry of Finance acted outside the law by posting the notice on his property “without due process,” accusing the governor of weaponising government agencies against political opponents.
“Ogun State would be better served if the same energy was channelled into providing quality governance, infrastructure, and real service to the people,” he said, urging residents to resist what he called intimidation tactics.
His allegation comes weeks after former governor Gbenga Daniel also accused the Abiodun administration of targeting him, after some of his properties were marked for demolition over alleged planning violations.
Reacting, the governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed Adebutu’s claims as baseless.
“Land Use Charge is statutory and one of the ways government generates revenue.
“It is not peculiar to Ogun State or Adebutu. Notices are issued to all defaulting property owners, including private businesses like Rock City FM in Abeokuta,” Akinmade said.
He maintained that the charge had “no political undertones,” accusing the PDP chieftain of “politicising a routine revenue exercise.”