A significant and troubling shift in Ogun State's political landscape has emerged, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, administered an oath to councillors in Ijebu North. This act, reportedly aimed at securing unwavering loyalty from political office holders, was carried out under the supervision of Moibi, Nuberu, and Hon. Adegbesan, with the SSG—a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)—playing a central role.
Sources indicate that the SSG convinced Governor Dapo Abiodun that such measures were necessary to ensure loyalty among political appointees across the state. Plans are reportedly in place to implement this approach on a wider scale, extending to all local government chairmen in the coming days.
The controversial nature of this development first came to light when a councillor from Ijebu North informed a colleague in Sagamu, warning of the impending state-wide strategy. Critics have condemned the oath-taking as an undignified and coercive tactic aimed at consolidating political control, particularly in Ogun East, where the Governor is rumored to be positioning himself for a Senate run after his gubernatorial tenure ends.
Observers suggest that this move is part of a larger response to the shock Governor Abiodun faced following his 2023 re-election, where he lost significant ground in key local government areas, including his home base in Ikenne Local Government. The oath-taking strategy, therefore, is seen as an attempt to ensure he retains political influence both during and after his tenure.
However, many political insiders and members of the public are pointing to SSG Tokunbo Talabi as the driving force behind these controversial moves. Allegations against Talabi have grown, with many suggesting that his influence within the Abiodun administration has been central to the erosion of political trust in Ogun State. His role in the increasing autocratic tendencies within the state government has garnered widespread criticism.
Talabi's tenure as SSG has been marked by accusations of manipulation and strong-arm tactics aimed at ensuring the political dominance of Governor Abiodun and his allies. These actions have resulted in growing resentment among political stakeholders and the public, who view Talabi as the architect of many of the unpopular policies emanating from the state government. It is widely believed that his involvement in the inner workings of government is one of the main reasons for the growing discontent within Ogun’s political circles.
Many see Talabi's actions as not only undermining democratic values but also deepening divisions within the state's political environment. His strong influence over critical political decisions, including loyalty drives like the recent oath-taking ceremony, has fueled calls for greater accountability and transparency. This is especially so given that many in the state feel that such moves only serve to consolidate power for a select few, rather than promoting the collective good.
With mounting public outrage and increasing pressure on the Abiodun administration to address these undemocratic practices, there is a growing demand for a reevaluation of Talabi’s role. Many argue that the SSG’s heavy-handed approach is damaging not only to the government’s credibility but to Ogun State's political fabric as a whole. As more details emerge, it remains to be seen how the administration will navigate the growing backlash and whether Talabi’s continued influence will be curtailed.
In the meantime, the controversy surrounding the oath-taking ceremony has only deepened the divisions within Ogun State politics, with many stakeholders urging for a return to more transparent and democratic practices. The situation is evolving, and the extent of SSG Talabi’s influence will likely be a focal point in the coming political discourse.
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