Ogun East Senator Gbenga Daniel has issued a stern warning to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, asserting that the governor should not have crossed certain political and administrative boundaries, especially regarding the state’s ongoing airport project. Daniel, who previously served as governor of Ogun State, emphasized that the foundation for the airport was laid during his tenure and that Abiodun’s current achievements are built on the groundwork he and his team painstakingly created. Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond The Headlines with Nifemi, Daniel expressed frustration over Abiodun’s public claims of having initiated the airport project, calling it the “easiest thing to do.”
According to Daniel, the real challenge lay in the preparatory work — environmental assessments, land acquisition, stakeholder consultations, and securing the necessary licenses — all of which were accomplished under his administration with limited resources. He highlighted that while Abiodun’s role involved awarding the contract, the financial and logistical groundwork had already been completed. “The money was there,” Daniel said, “but the hard work was ours.” He recalled how he had to personally engage with multiple presidential administrations to secure the necessary approvals for the airport’s license, a process that required immense political and bureaucratic effort.
Daniel’s remarks carry weight given his history as a former governor who oversaw major infrastructure projects in Ogun State. He argued that Abiodun’s current success is not entirely his own, but a product of the legacy he left behind. “If there is anything Dapo Abiodun is enjoying today, it is our sweat,” Daniel stated emphatically. He also referenced the political turmoil in Ekiti State as a cautionary example, warning that certain lines should not be crossed in governance and politics.
In a pointed exchange, Daniel recounted a conversation with Abiodun, where the governor reportedly warned him that a “young man” following him would eventually bring down his administration. Daniel responded by reminding Abiodun of his own role in laying the foundation for the airport, questioning how Abiodun could now take full credit for a project that had been in motion long before his tenure. “You are now galivanting that you have done the airport. How?” Daniel asked, underscoring the disparity between perception and reality.
The senator’s comments have reignited discussions about political accountability and credit allocation in Nigerian governance. As Ogun State continues to develop its infrastructure, Daniel’s remarks serve as a reminder of the often-unseen labor behind major projects. His words may influence public perception of the airport project and prompt deeper scrutiny of how credit is distributed among political leaders. The debate is likely to continue as the state moves forward with its development agenda.
Leave a Comment