Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Adebutu was detained earlier this week in connection with alleged security breaches during the local government elections held in Ogun State on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Adebutu, a former lawmaker, was released at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, after being invited by the DSS for questioning over his alleged involvement in the disturbances in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, during the election.
In a statement he personally signed, titled “My Experience and Release from the DSS,” Adebutu denounced the allegations against him, calling them “baseless” and accusing the authorities of attempting to silence him as an opposition voice.
He reiterated his stance on the need for financial autonomy for local governments, which he believes can only be achieved through free and fair elections.
“I was released by the DSS in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer to various spurious accusations related to the November 16 Local Government election in Ogun State. The allegations were so baseless that it became clear their purpose was to silence me as a voice of the opposition,” Adebutu said in his statement.
He went on to emphasise that his belief in the importance of local government autonomy and his advocacy for free and fair elections were not partisan issues but were rooted in national development. Adebutu also noted that President Bola Tinubu shares his view on the matter, indicating that this was a national concern and not a political one.
“Desperation has set in to emasculate the third tier of government completely; this is the struggle for our development,” Adebutu added, alluding to the political dynamics in Ogun State over the past five years, which he said would soon be made public.
Despite the nature of his detention, Adebutu expressed appreciation for the professionalism and fairness with which the DSS handled his case during his detention.
He also thanked the judiciary for the favorable ruling obtained in a recent case, which sought to exclude the PDP from participating in the local government elections.
“I must say I am pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and fairness the DSS has treated this matter till date, particularly during my stay in their office,” he acknowledged.
Adebutu concluded by thanking all stakeholders, including both supporters and critics, and urged everyone to continue working toward advancing good governance in the state.
The release of Adebutu comes amidst growing political tensions in Ogun State following the controversial local government elections.
