Newsry news
9th December, 2023
Ógbédùdúkè
By Allen Sowore, Esq.
I want to commend the patriotic efforts of the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr Razaq Obe, for his courageous attempt to address the precarious situation in our beloved Sunshine State.
I intentionally titled my piece in our local language to connect with my people and adhere to the local content law in my writing. It is essential that we support Nigerian-made products.
Moving on to the crux of the matter, “Ógbédùdúkè,” the title of my piece, is drawn from a song by the late music legend from Okitipupa, Madam Comfort Omogè. The song narrates the story of a beautiful but proud lady who rejected numerous suitable suitors only to become pregnant by her unattractive relative—an act considered taboo due to incest.
Ógbédùdúkè was the song that highlighted the shameful pregnancy resulting from this incestuous relationship. More significantly, it aimed to ridicule the lady, serving as a deterrent to others.
Comfort Omogé was a role model who preached morality through her songs in those days. So, when you hear “Ógbédùdúkè,” the chorus translates to “There is a pregnancy, but it’s a result of incest.” Abortion is illegal, and bearing the baby is considered disgraceful.
I’m particularly pleased with the title of this piece because it is dedicated to the members of the Ondo state Cabal, who seem to have transformed into a forgery syndicate, with one of the prominent leaders hailing from Okitipupa—the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu. It is my hope that she comprehends and communicates the significance of Ógbédùdúkè to the other members of this syndicate.
On December 8, 2023, the forensic report regarding the forged signatures of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON was released by the Association of Forensic Professionals of Nigeria. Moreover, Mr. Johnson Kolawole, the Director of Research Strategy and Programming, featured on the popular Channels Television Programme – Politics Today, shedding light on the issue and mentioning names potentially involved in the syndicate.
This intervention aims to expand the scope of the investigation, pinpointing specific offices and individuals responsible for the day-to-day operations of the state government.
The primary individual who would possess information regarding the forged signatures of Governor Akeredolu is the Director-General of the State Project Monitoring and Implementation Unit, Babajide, who also happens to be the governor’s son.
Secondly, the SSG, Princess Oladunni Odu, who takes responsibility for transferring files from Akure to Ibadan to secure the governor’s approvals, needs to answer questions regarding her actions despite her age of 74.
Furthermore, strategic inquiries should be directed to the Governor’s Adviser on Strategy & Special Duty, Dare Aragbaye, who manages the security votes, and the Commissioner for Finance, who has overseen the state’s finances for the past decade.
Additionally, certain civil servants are implicated in these activities: the Accountant General, Mrs Esther Toyin Oni, Mr. Sunday Ikoto, the Chief Protocol Officer, responsible for handling files for the Governor’s approval, Mr. Omirin Sunday, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Government House & Protocols, and the auditor, Fred Fadamila, scrutinizing all documents.
Not to be overlooked are the governor’s spokespersons: Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, and Olabode Richard, the Chief Press Secretary. They purportedly speak on behalf of the governor even without direct access to him or clear instructions, raising doubts about their authenticity.
Likewise, individuals such as Bola Alabi, COP, and Mr. Ojo ADC, by virtue of their duties and offices, would be familiar with or assist in obtaining the governor’s signature on documents.
This list would be incomplete without mentioning the grand matron, Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji who just passed a re-ordered budget.
Conclusively, law enforcement agencies must investigate this matter thoroughly to uncover the circumstances and those involved. Ógbédùdúkè symbolizes the disgraceful conduct of these individuals exploiting the governor’s health challenges for personal gain. Such actions are deplorable and must be met with justice.
“Won ti gbe dùdúkè, eníbasùn omiye, Wọ́n gbe du-du-du…”
