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Governor Dapo Abiodun has once again demonstrated his willingness to support causes beyond the borders of Ogun State, as seen in his recent donation of ₦20 million to the families of victims affected by a tragic road accident involving athletes returning from the National Sports Festival.
The gesture, while commendable on a human level, has sparked conversations across Ogun State about the need for a more balanced approach to governance—one that prioritizes the needs of his own people as much as others.
It is important to acknowledge and appreciate acts of kindness, especially when directed at alleviating the suffering of fellow Nigerians. However, such gestures also raise legitimate questions when similar support has not always been forthcoming for residents of Ogun State facing their own challenges.
Unanswered Cries at Home
In the aftermath of the just-concluded National Sports Festival hosted in Ogun State, several local vendors and small businesses suffered losses due to fire incidents and logistical issues around the event venues. Many of these people are still waiting for support—financial or moral—from the state government. Likewise, there have been multiple reports of fatal road accidents within Ogun during Governor Abiodun’s administration, yet affected families often receive no direct government intervention or relief.
These situations have left many Ogun indigenes wondering why compassion seems more accessible to outsiders than to those within the state.
Economic Exclusion During the Festival
The festival itself was a significant opportunity to empower local businesses, but reports indicate that many of the major contracts—for catering, hospitality, and logistics—went to companies based outside the state. For an event hosted in Ogun, this felt like a missed opportunity to stimulate the local economy and give Ogun entrepreneurs a much-needed boost.
While it’s understandable that logistics often involve external consultants, a more deliberate inclusion of local vendors would have made a meaningful difference to the livelihoods of many within the host communities.
Political Interpretations and Public Perception
Some political observers have speculated that these gestures of generosity to states like Kano could be tied to broader political calculations. Rumors suggest that such moves may be part of a repositioning strategy to regain influence at the federal level, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
While every politician is entitled to build alliances and maintain national visibility, it is essential to ensure that the home front is not neglected in the process. Public service should ultimately reflect the values of equity and fairness—beginning with one’s constituents.
A Respectful Appeal to the Governor
Your Excellency, Ogun State residents continue to look to your leadership for not just inspiration, but also action. Philanthropy is most impactful when it starts from home. It is our hope that in the same way you are quick to respond to the needs of others, you will extend the same urgency and compassion to your fellow Ogun indigenes.
Ogun is blessed with immense human capital and resilience. With more inclusive policies and deliberate attention to local needs, your administration can leave a legacy that resonates both within and outside the state.
As a proud son of the soil, I offer this not as condemnation, but as a heartfelt reminder that true leadership is measured by the care extended to one’s people.
— Ope Banwo, Double Prince of Ikala and Odosiwonade of Ogun State
