Ogun 2023: Adebutu, Akinlade strike deal on sharing of state resources
A document revealing how the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu and his deputy, Abdul Kabir Akinlade, a loyalist of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, will share the resources accruing to Ogun State and strategic government positions, in case they win the 2023 election, has surfaced.
The seven-page document titled ‘Alliance Agreement between Hon. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu and Hon. Adekunle AbdulKabir Akinlade in respect of the 2023 Election Into the Offices of Governor, Deputy Governor, Related Elective Positions and Appointment in Ogun State” shows how the duo plan to divide the spoils among themselves.
It was signed by both Adebutu and Akinlade and confirmed by an oath at the High Court of Ogun State, Abeokuta, was dated September 16, 2022, while the state PDP chairman, Sikirulai Ogundele and one Sunday Solarin, served as witnesses.
Patterned after a similar failed deal in 2019, the agreement states that the deputy governorship slot of the party, Ogun West senatorial ticket and two State House of Assembly tickets in Ogun Central, would be conceded to the Amosun group.
It further stated that upon Adebutu’s emergence as the winner of the governorship poll, seven substantive commissioner slots, 15 Special Adviser slots, 20 Senior Special Assistant slots, 20 Special Assistant slots; five Statutory Board Chairman slots and five local government executive chairman slots would be conceded to Allied People’s Movement (APM) and factional APC members.
The agreement obtained on Friday by our correspondent also revealed that Akinlade, besides his constitutional role as the deputy governor, “shall be appointed as the Commissioner for Trade and Investment in a ministry that shall be created to drive investments, improved revenue growth and development of the state, provided that the deputy governor shall report directly to the executive governor in accordance with extant laws.”
It added: “In furtherance of Clause A and B hereinabove, Hon. Adekunle AbdulKabir Akinlade shall mobilise and deploy his political capital, groups, and other resources toward the successful emergence of all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly to the office of the Governor in Ogun State.
“Hon Adekunle AbdulKabir Akinlade shall equally support, assist, and promote the political interests of Hon (Dr) Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all times.
“All actions, moves, and strategies made by the parties pursuant to the realization of this Agreement shall be made in good faith without any intention to unduly deprive the interests, rights, or benefits or either party.
“Each party shall not be a party to any other agreement that would restrict the Parties’ ability to perform any or all of their obligations as set forth in this Agreement.
“This Agreement shall be binding on the parties and amendment, supplement or modification can only be made by way of supplementary Alliance Agreement which shall be jointly and duly executed by the parties herein.
“In the event of any dispute between the parties with reference to the agreement or any matter arising hereunder, the parties shall resolve same by amicable negotiations.
“This Agreement shall be governed by and intercepted in accordance with the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have caused this Alliance Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above”, the alliance agreement submitted.
