“Okanlomo Eleyi of Ogun” – Tinubu Rechristens Gov. Abiodun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday rekindled a simmering political tension in Ogun State, when he mockingly referred to Governor Dapo Abiodun as the “Okanlomo Eleyi of Ogun State” — a quip loaded with sarcasm and pointed political commentary.
Speaking at the 8th-day Fidau prayer for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in Ijebu-Ode, the President paused mid-speech and turned to Abiodun:
“This Okanlomo Eleyi of Ogun State — always talking,” Tinubu said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
While some in the audience chuckled, the remark was not lost on Ogun residents who have grown weary of Abiodun’s leadership. For many, it reinforced the long-held perception that the governor’s tenure has been more talk than tangible progress.
Though cloaked in humour, Tinubu’s remark struck a familiar chord. Ogun State under Governor Abiodun has faced mounting criticism over worsening infrastructure, poor road conditions, and recurrent delays in paying civil servants’ salaries. Critics accuse the governor of focusing on lofty promises and endless reassurances rather than visible results.
“Despite public assurances, there’s been little to show on the ground,” said one civil society observer. “People are tired of speeches; they want real development.”
This is not the first time Tinubu has publicly aired his reservations about the governor. In 2022, during the heated APC presidential primaries, the then-candidate reminded Nigerians that Abiodun had him to thank for his rise to power:
“He wouldn’t have become governor without me,” Tinubu said at a campaign event in Abeokuta.
Beyond the sarcasm, Tinubu’s comment appears to double as a stern message to office holders — a call for performance over posturing.
With political realignments underway and 2027 looming on the horizon, many analysts view Sunday’s incident as more than just a joke — but rather, a subtle shift in tone and expectations from the presidency.
In a political climate where loyalty once guaranteed favour, Tinubu seems to be sending a new message: results will matter more than rhetoric.
