Ogun State Government has categorically denied reports circulating online that members of the State Executive Council are forced to prostrate before Governor Dapo Abiodun when they displease him. The claims, initially published by an online blog named Naijamixed, alleged that cabinet members kneel in submission to the governor during moments of dissatisfaction. In response, the state government has labeled these allegations as baseless fabrications designed to ridicule the governor and mislead the public.
The official denial came via a statement released on Monday by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy. According to the statement, there has never been an instance where any commissioner or cabinet member was required to perform such an act. Furthermore, the governor’s office refuted the specific claim that Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele engages in this practice, calling it absurd and indicative of the blog's reckless approach to reporting.
The government criticized the blog for deviating from journalistic standards of accuracy, fairness, and verification. It accused the publication of prioritizing sensationalism over truth, suggesting that the content was crafted to provoke controversy rather than inform readers. The statement highlighted that the blog had resurfaced an old issue that had already been addressed by the Ogun State House of Assembly and the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC).
The governor’s office clarified that the prostration incident referenced in the blog was related to local government chairmen who voluntarily performed the act as part of a cultural tradition rooted in Yoruba customs. This gesture, it emphasized, was not prompted by the governor but was instead a spontaneous appeal for forgiveness on behalf of one of their colleagues. The act was described as a traditional expression of humility and reconciliation rather than a form of subjugation.
The statement also pointed out that previous allegations made by former Ijebu East Local Government Chairman, Hon. Wale Adedayo, had been thoroughly investigated by the Ogun State House of Assembly. Additionally, the JAAC confirmed that local government funds were allocated according to established procedures without any diversion. The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting local councils financially, ensuring they could fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
The governor’s office expressed concern over the decision to revive an old story, questioning why the blog felt the need to bring up an issue that had already been resolved. It suggested that the timing and manner in which the information was presented indicated an intent to undermine the governor's reputation and create unrest within the state.
In light of these developments, the Ogun State Government has urged its citizens to disregard the publication and seek information from reliable sources. It reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that it remains committed to maintaining open communication with the media to serve the interests of the people. The government also requested that relevant security agencies look into the origins of the publication and hold accountable those responsible for spreading misinformation.
2 reports
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 907 days agoThe Ogun State Government in Nigeria has denied allegations that members of the State Executive Council are forced to prostrate before Governor Dapo Abiodun when he is displeased with them. The claims, reported by an online blog called Naijamixed, were labeled as false and malicious by the government. In response, the government's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, stated that no commissioner or cabinet member has ever been required to prostrate before the governor. The government accused the blog of spreading misinformation and abandoning journalistic principles like accuracy and fairness. It clarified that any instances of prostration were voluntary acts rooted in Yoruba cultural traditions, not actions mandated by the governor. Additionally, the government refuted earlier allegations made by a former local government chairman, stating they were investigated and found to be unfounded.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the official stance of the Ogun State Government denying allegations of forced prostration among cabinet members. It does not exhibit clear bias toward either side, providing the government’s perspective without overtly favoring it or presenting counterarguments. The framing is,
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): Factuality is high as the article directly quotes the official response from the Ogun State Government and aligns with the cross-source consensus. Objectivity is strong as it presents the government's stance without emotional language.
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 907 days agoThe Ogun State Government has denied allegations that members of Governor Dapo Abiodun's cabinet prostrate before him when displeased, calling the claims a 'complete fabrication' intended to ridicule the governor and create unrest. In a statement by Special Adviser Kayode Akinmade, the government clarified that no commissioner or member of the State Executive Council has ever been required to prostrate before Abiodun, dismissing the claim as 'ridiculous.' The statement emphasized that the alleged prostration by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele was a falsehood and criticized the online platform for abandoning journalistic integrity in favor of sensationalism. The government explained that the prostration mentioned in the report was a voluntary act by local government chairmen during a cultural appeal for forgiveness, in line with Yoruba tradition, and that Abiodun did not request or encourage the gesture. It also noted that the allegations against the former local government chairman, Wale Adedayo, were investigated and found to be unfounded, with local government funding processes confirmed as compliant.
Bias read (Center): While the subject involves a political figure and potential reputational damage, the article presents the government's response as fact-based and denies the allegations without overtly attacking or praising the governor. The tone remains objective, focusing on refuting the claims rather than taking党
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): Factuality remains high as it mirrors the content and statements from the first article, reinforcing the cross-source consensus. Objectivity is maintained with a neutral tone and focus on presenting the government's position without bias.
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