Ogun state governor Dapo Abiodun has in entirety condemned comments made against former governor Olusegun Osoba which was credited to Dr. Oludare Sunday Kehinde, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in his administration.
The youth and sports commissioner has been alleged to have made comments regarded as “infantile and distasteful” against Chief Osoba, the Ogun State political generalissimo.
An online media platform reports that Dr Kehinde in a statement faulted Osoba for “lacking in vision and building human capacity,” and also went further condemning him for “being careless about his followers.”
The commissioner added that “posterity will never forgive most of the serving political office holders in the state who failed to use their office for the development of the State.”
Dr Kayode’s comment thereafter sparked off counter-reactions on social media platforms and consequently led to the state government’s response slamming the commissioner on what was described as unguided comments.
Governor Abiodun, however, in a statement signed by Kunle Somorin, his Chief Press Secretary and made available to newsheadline247, described Osoba as an accomplished journalist, consummate politician, altruistic leader, and a very forthright compass for the entire progressive community in Ogun State, South West and the nation as a whole.
Read the full statement below
CHIEF OLUSEGUN OSOBA, A REVERED LEADER
The attention of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, has been drawn to certain comments credited to Dr. Oludare Sunday Kehinde, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the present Administration. The comments, which have since received wide circulation in the social media, centred on the success or otherwise of the second civilian Governor of the State and our most revered leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba, as a Governor and leader, and other renowned leaders of immense repute.
His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, received the unfortunate and to say the least uncomplimentary comments of the Commissioner with dismay, disbelief and shock. The words used in those unwarranted and unauthorised comments were indeed infantile and distasteful. These comments were never a true reflection of the disposition of both the Governor and indeed the Government and the high esteem that Chief Olusegun Osoba is held.
There is no doubt that Chief Olusegun Osoba’s repute is timeless and transcends Ogun State and indeed many spheres he has stamped his authority for him to be a subject of such a careless remark. Chief Osoba is an accomplished journalist, consummate politician, altruistic leader, and a very forthright compass for the entire progressive community in Ogun State, South West and the nation as a whole.
Through the dint of Chief Osoba’s consistency, hard work, and commitment, he has birthed many Administrations in Ogun State and many have achieved success and attained leadership positions with the benefits of his tremendous goodwill, which he generally provides, to identify and nurture talents. Prince Dapo Abiodun is indeed proud to be associated with Baba Osoba and remains grateful for his leadership role in bringing the current Administration in place and his role as a pillar of support will continue to stabilise the Dapo Abiodun Administration.
It is, therefore, no exaggeration that Akinrogun Egba, Aremo Akile Ijebu, Araba Yewa, Asalu of Remo is the father of modern Ogun State. Needlessly, to say, the Commissioner is on his own.
For emphasis, Prince Dapo Abiodun totally disassociates himself and the Administration from the unsavoury comments of the Commissioner and reassures all that this unfortunate incident will not in any way detract from the very cordial relationship between Baba and himself. It is gratifying that this issue has been discussed with Baba and as usual, he has demonstrated the fatherly and reassuring understanding of a leader, he truly is. Dr. Oludare Sunday Kehinde has accordingly been reprimanded.
Nonetheless, His Excellency, therefore, tenders an unreserved apology to Chief Olusegun Osoba for the comments made by the Commissioner and reiterates that they are not a reflection of the person, standing, and background of an esteemed and much revered Aremo Olusegun Osoba. He extends his apologies to all other leaders affected by the diatribe.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Government and the Good People of Ogun State will continue to reference all the epochal exploits of Akinrogun Osoba, both in the journalism profession, political landscape and leadership space. He is our Icon and torchbearer that we are proud of and holds dear.
Kunle Somorin
Chief Press Governor to the Governor,
Ogun State
