Ladi Adebutu, the Ogun State governorship candidate for the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has dismissed as “baseless” the allegations made against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). Adebutu was arrested on Monday and interrogated by the DSS over his comments concerning last Saturday’s local government elections in Ogun State.
In a statement released following his release early Tuesday morning, Adebutu expressed his belief that the allegations were a ploy to silence him as an opposition voice. He emphasized that his comments regarding the fairness of the elections and the financial autonomy of local governments were protected by his rights to free speech.
“The allegations were so baseless that it became clear their purpose was to silence me,” Adebutu said. “My stance that the elections were not free and fair is a fundamental right of free speech and thought. I believe in the financial autonomy of local governments, which can only be achieved through free and fair elections.”
He also highlighted that the issue of local government autonomy was a national concern, shared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicating that his position was not politically motivated but aligned with broader national interests.
Despite the nature of the accusations, Adebutu commended the DSS for their professionalism and fairness during his time in custody. “I must say I am pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and fairness shown by the Department of State Services,” he said.
Adebutu also acknowledged the judiciary’s role in the legal proceedings surrounding the election and thanked all stakeholders for their support. He remains determined to push for what he described as “good governance” in Ogun State.
