Cabinet members don’t prostrate before Abiodun - Ogun govt

The Ogun State Government has strongly denied allegations that members of its Executive Council are compelled to prostrate before Governor Dapo Abiodun when he is displeased. The government dismissed a viral publication by the online blog Naijamixed as false, malicious, and a deliberate fabrication aimed at ridiculing the governor and misleading the public.

“

The claim that members of the Ogun State Executive Council routinely prostrate before Governor Dapo Abiodun whenever he is displeased with them is a complete fabrication.

In a statement issued by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, the government asserted that no commissioner or cabinet member has ever been required to prostrate before Governor Abiodun. Akinmade called the claim "absurd" and "ridiculous," particularly regarding the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stating such falsehoods expose the publication's "reckless and irresponsible nature."

The government accused the blog of abandoning journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, and verification in favor of sensationalism. Akinmade explained that the publication distorted a past incident involving Ogun State local government chairmen. He clarified that these chairmen voluntarily prostrated before Governor Abiodun to appeal for forgiveness on behalf of a colleague, describing the act as a cultural expression consistent with Yoruba tradition, not a coerced action.

“

Even more ridiculous is the claim that the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, prostrates before the Governor. Such a falsehood exposes the reckless and irresponsible nature of the publication.

Akinmade reiterated that Governor Abiodun never requested, directed, or encouraged anyone to prostrate before him, emphasizing the gesture was entirely voluntary. He also noted that previous allegations by a former local government chairman were investigated by the Ogun State House of Assembly, and financial processes were confirmed by the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC). The government expressed surprise that the incident, which had previously received significant media attention, was being misrepresented years later.

“

At no time did Governor Abiodun request, direct or encourage anyone to prostrate before him. The gesture was entirely voluntary.